What aspect does Carlen suggest influences the sentencing of women in the courts?

Carlen suggests that the sentencing of women in the courts is heavily influenced by the court's perceptions based on established gender roles. This approach emphasizes how societal expectations regarding femininity and the roles women are expected to fulfill can impact judicial decisions. Courts may view women through a lens that reflects stereotypes, such as nurturing or being the primary caregiver, which can lead to differing treatments compared to male defendants.

For instance, if a woman is seen as fulfilling a traditional role, judges may take this into account when determining her sentence, often showing leniency if they believe she is conforming to expected societal norms. Conversely, if she deviates from these gender roles, she may face harsher sentences. This highlights how notions of gender can shape legal outcomes, beyond the objective factors such as the actual severity of the crime or the presence of an adequate legal defense.