NCJ Number
183825
Journal
Theoretical Criminology Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2000 Pages: 232-242
Date Published
May 2000
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Hagan and McCarthy interpret the meaning of criminology in the context of their study of street youth in two Canadian cities ("Mean Streets: Youth Crime and Homelessness, 1997) as they reflect upon the critiques of and commentaries on their study by other scholars.
Abstract
Glen Elder's review of the study highlights what it accomplished and what remains undone. His commentary captures the theme of the study: an assessment of the consequences of being young and on the streets in a more benign Toronto compared to a less forgiving Vancouver. At the time of the study, the absence of shelter and services and the crime-control approach of Vancouver left homeless youth more vulnerable to the illegitimate opportunities that pulled them into an active criminal street culture. In contrast, Toronto provided more of the sustenance that keep some homeless youth at a safer distance from the criminal street culture and increases the possibility for leaving the street for a more secure and productive life. Some of the commentators on the study focus on the class influences that bring youth to the streets, and some commented on the gender differences represented among street youth. Males outnumbered females about two to one. Still, females were an important part of the street scene; they were much more involved in crime than young women who lived at home and were disproportionately involved in some crimes, notably prostitution. The authors agree with Savelsberg in affirming that the goal of the study was to introduce in North America an approach to research that renews a neglected sensitivity to the formative impact of street experiences, which is a hallmark of youth poverty worldwide. 39 references