IntroductionIn Australia, female incarceration rates are increasing faster than male incarceration rates (Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2012). In order to explain this concept, one must address the following: why this happens/factors that explain this difference, whether or not this is a new phenomenon, and which theory best explains this disparity. The importance of this phenomenon will also be addressed from a theoretical and personal point of view. To explain this event, the following themes: social change, increased gender equality, female crime data and feminist theories/discourses will be explored. Drivers of gender disparity in incarceration: Social change and increased gender equality. (Diebolt and Perrin, 2013). Currently, there are fewer stay-at-home moms and more women entering the workforce than ever before. Generation after generation, we see an increase in the number of qualified individuals: men and women (Diebolt and Perrin, 201). Goldin (2006) supports this notion by stating that decades ago, women married so early that their identities were created after marriage. However, today, women marry late enough that their identity is formed before marriage. In the 1920s, most women left the workforce after marriage (Goldin, 2006). Conversely, in the 1980s, the average age of a married, college-educated woman was 25. There was an increase in female attendance and college graduation and there were no longer substantial differences in the college majors received from men and women. The societal roles of women have changed significantly and there has been more emphasis on personal success as well as creating a family,...... middle of paper ...or their family is the only option survival. Perhaps some women's situations are so dire that the risk of incarceration is not an issue. Conclusion Overall, female incarceration rates are increasing faster than male incarceration rates for several reasons. First, social changes (such as greater gender equality) have transformed the roles of women. Today, women are less passive and have similar responsibilities to men (i.e. providing for their families), which in dire circumstances can motivate them to commit illegal acts . Additionally, when it comes to feminist theories/discourses, young women believe they don't need to work as hard to be seen as equal. Third-wave feminist discourse, in particular, encapsulates the idea that whatever men can do, women can do too, whether it's achieving a successful career or committing illegal acts..