Lifestyle Theory
Introduction
Lifestyle theory states that crime is a developing process in that its propelled by the interaction of three variables: Incentive, Opportunity and Choice. The crime occurs in different phases which include Initiation, transition and maintenance. In this case, we have the society and cultural norms as the incentive for the crimes against young girls. Nujood is a silenced for so long by society as it has become a routine for young girls to be married in Yemen. She says that she had always obeyed what her Father and brothers told her. (Minoui 2010:18).
Nujood fears her Father and brothers and therefore is in Fear to defy them as there may be consequences. The culture of the people in Yemen allows the marriage of small girls against their will. Women don’t have a say on their life decisions. The act of marrying off young girls is already accepted; therefore, the next phase comes when the perpetrators get used to the action. The Father and brothers of Nujood here have become accustomed to ordering her around and expecting her to do as she is told. It has become a lifestyle in most households in Yemen for women and girls to follow what they are told to do by their husbands, brothers or parents.
The final phase is the FearFear of change or the maintenance; in this case, the Father and Brothers represent the whole Nepal population who have been engaged in the oppression of women more so young girls. When Nujood says no to what her Father tells her it becomes an issue as it’s not expected of her to say no. The Father is in FearFear of the Change that has been initiated by Nujood when she says no. The incentive for the Father of Nujood to marry her off is because society has allowed young girls to be married off. The opportunity is presented when she has become used to accepting everything she is told. (Minoui 2010:18) The parents have a choice to allow their daughters to choose whom and when to marry, but they do not.
Conclusion
Crime is a gradual process which takes some time to be actualized. In this paper, i have looked at crime form the lifestyle theorist perspective. I have analyzed the case of Nujood, who is a young girl who always obeyed her father and brothers. The girl was being forced to be married off, but she surprised the parent and siblings by saying no to the marriage. She becomes the agent of change which is feared by the society at large.
References
Ali, Nujood and Delphine Minoui. 2010. I am Nujood, Aged 10 and Divorced.NY: Three Rivers
Press