NCJ Number
150055
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1994) Pages: 45-50
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This research, based on interviews with young female offenders in Australia, challenges some of the assumptions of male-based discussions of criminology.
Abstract
The author contends that young women offenders are either rendered invisible or else are significantly misrepresented in the current construct of delinquency. Historically, the delinquent or criminal acts committed by girls have been seen as different from those committed by boys and less likely to be considered criminally serious. The police and juvenile justice system have traditionally treated girls more leniently, mainly because they did not believe that girls were capable of the same level of criminal intent as boys. This article uses first-person narratives to describe some of the criminal activities committed by girls and reconsiders attitudes toward young girls and their sexuality. There needs to be a shift away from concern with girls' perceived immorality and aggression toward an examination of what young women actually do and how they experience their lives. 24 references