Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Monetary Valuation of Crime Avoidance Behavior

In this article, we focus on the monetary value of the “female fear,” namely, women’s precautionary and avoidance behaviors, which they use to protect themselves against crimes and compare it with the monetary value of similar behaviors taken by men. Using scenario questionnaires that allude to the risks of being alone in dark surroundings, we tested the willingness of men and women to pay for what is perceived as a means for reducing the potential of being the victim of a crime in these risky situations. The results reveal that females are willing to pay higher amounts of money for actions they perceive as having a positive effect on lowering the danger of victimization. This finding shows that the monetary cost of female fear is yet another harm inflicted upon women within the social framework of gendered power relationships. More to the point, the gender-based comparison this article undertakes re-conceptualizes female fear not only as women-focused but also as a cost being unevenly borne by women. Relevant policy implications are discussed. This is the first study to put a price tag on female fear, illuminating its financial implications, yet to be explored, next to its acknowledged behavioral implications.