NCJ Number
87891
Date Published
1982
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The lack of sound research about the nature and causes of female juvenile delinquency has allowed stereotypes about sex roles to influence the programs designed to prevent it and to result in disparities in the handling of male and female juvenile delinquents.
Abstract
Early research on delinquency generally failed to include females. As a result, much theory and research is flawed by monosexism. The longstanding myth that the justice system treats females chivalrously has also persisted. More recently, interest in the women's movement has led to extensive research on female crime and its relationship to the women's movement. Numerous studies have tried to link an alleged rise in female crime to the women's movement. However, careful examination of the research methodologies used shows that this link does not exist. In addition, studies which purport to explore the question of discrimination against women in the juvenile justice system have used techniques which overlook the institutional sexism within that system. Female delinquents are among the most dependent, the poorest, and the most victimized of all teenagers. However, young women offenders, most of whom come before the court for status offenses, are punished more harshly than their male counterparts, even those males charged with criminal acts. To gain a full understanding of female delinquency, researchers must examine not only the youthful female offender but also the official agencies of social control. While some of the recent research is helping to expose the myths surrounding both the character of female misbehavior and the typical responses to that behavior, further research focusing on all aspects of female delinquency is needed. Seventy-four notes which contain references are provided.