Final answer:
Women on death row are more likely to have killed a family member or someone they know, particularly in the context of intimate relationships. Historically, societal norms have influenced the application of laws based on gender, and intimate partner violence remains a significant societal issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Women on death row are more likely than men to have killed a family member or someone they know. Studies and statistics highlight a pattern where women who commit murders often do so within the context of intimate relationships or family dynamics. For example, the UN Office of Drugs and Crime emphasizes that women are likely to be killed by intimate partners and family, and similarly, women who are convicted of murder frequently have histories of violence in these contexts.
Historically, gender norms and societal expectations have also impacted how laws are applied to men and women differently, which can be seen in the 1800s in England where women were often exempt from the death penalty for crimes men could be executed for. Currently, intimate partner violence remains a significant issue, as illustrated by statistics showing that 30% of women who are murdered are killed by their intimate partners, and murder is a leading cause of death for women in the workplace, often at the hands of partners or ex-partners.