Temple University Press The Delinquent Girl

Over the past decade and a half, girls' involvement in the juvenile justice system has increased. Yet the topic remains under-studied among criminologists. "The Delinquent Girl" is a 'state-of-the-field' evaluation that identifies and analyzes girls who become delinquent, the kinds of crimes they commit and the reasons they commit them. The distinguished academics and practitioners who contributed to this volume provide an overview of the research on girls' delinquency, discuss policy implications and point to areas where further research is critically needed. This book begins with an examination of the major theories and explanations of female delinquency and considers the 'gender gap' between male and female offenders. Other issues, such as the role of the juvenile justice system and changes in justice policies, are also addressed.Throughout "The Delinquent Girl", the contributors use criminological and feminist theories to consider causes and implications - e.g., family dysfunction, community factors - and provide insight into treating and preventing juvenile delinquency. Contributors include: Robert Agnew, Angela Browne, Meda Chesney-Lind, Gayle A. Dakof, Barry C. Feld, Diana H.Fishbein, Peggy C. Giordano, Denise C. Gottfredson, Candace Kruttschnitt, Jody Miller, Shari Miller, Merry Morash, Christopher W. Mullins, Allison Ann Payne, Jennifer Schwartz, Darrell Steffensmeier, Donna-Marie Winn and the editor. Review "This book includes some of the most outstanding work on girls' delinquency in the field of criminology...this will be an important and oft-cited reference work for years to come." --Professor Scott Decker, Arizona State University "This important reference can enlighten everyone working with the juvenile justice system, as well as anyone who cares about adolescent girls." --Youth Today, February 2009 About the Author Margaret A. Zahn is Professor of Sociology at North Carolina State University, and Past President and Fellow of the American Society of Criminology.