NCJ Number
85514
Journal
Journal of Adolescence Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1982) Pages: 85-98
Date Published
1982
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Those involved in the assessment or care of delinquent adolescent females must be aware of the effects of sex stereotyping of behaviors and drawing conclusions from theories based upon the role of female sexuality.
Abstract
No single theory can account for female delinquency, but the changing role of females within society and the differential handling according to gender, ethnicity, and class all play their part. The view of the female delinquent as solitary and unsocialized needs revision. Attention must be paid to peer and group influences on young females today. Whether the previously reported high incidence of psychiatric disorder among female delinquents remains true is uncertain. Violent female delinquents in particular may differ quantitatively from nonviolent delinquents. Present day assessments as well as future studies of female delinquency must include not only personal and family factors but also wider peer and social group issues as is already done for male delinquents. About 60 references are included. (Author abstract modified)