Women are often perceived in media as being unlikely to do which of the following?

The perception that women are unlikely to stalk, kill strangers, or commit serial murder is rooted in long-standing stereotypes about gender roles and behaviors. Media representation often portrays women as nurturing, empathetic, and less aggressive than men. This societal narrative contributes to the belief that violent crimes, especially those involving strangers or serial offenders, are predominantly male domains.

While there are certainly instances of women committing violent crimes, these occurrences are often sensationalized or regarded as exceptions rather than the rule. In contrast, the higher visibility and frequency of male perpetrators in media coverage reinforce the stereotype that women are less capable of such extreme violence. Studies in criminology have shown that media narratives significantly shape public perception, leading to a skewed understanding of women's roles in crime, particularly when it involves heinous acts like stalking or serial killing. Thus, the portrayal of women as unlikely to commit these specific types of violent crimes aligns with broader societal beliefs about gender and behavior.