Take a moment to think of the demographic of juvenile delinquents, what comes to your mind? Due to the connotation the word has, majority think of youth's -males, who show apathetic symptoms, like not caring being unable to empathize or feel remorse for actions. Think of one delinquent specifically, imagine the fine details-baggy clothing, ghetto jargon. Now think of the crimes that young boy might have committed to become a juvenile. Can you imagine those same crimes being committed by a female? A recent study conducted by the United states department of justice shows a drastic increase in the percentage of juvenile arrests of women, nearly 10% from 1994 to 2013. Considering these statistics, females are fairly underrepresented in society’s
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Additionally, these aforementioned ‘drives and stigmas’ have a direct correlation to one’s upbringing and media consumption which both play a tremendous role in the likelihood of juvenile behavior. One study held by the Office of Justice Programs, suggested that men seek to fulfill the role of a masculine provider, independent and powerful, which reinforces the concept of masculinity with themes such as violence and aggression. Whereas Females seek to fulfill a more complementary or submissive role, one that provides stability and femininity. However, when these archetypes cannot be met, or are threatened, is when the probability of a juvenile offense skyrockets. Therefore, many females perceive future goals as unachievable once entered into the Justice System, leading them to seek more reckless and dangerous lifestyles. Another predominant determining factor for juvenile delinquency is mental wellness. In the “NCMHJJ Prevalence Study (2006)” 70.4% of juvenile delinquents had a positive diagnosis of mental illnesses. Furthermore, according to a study conducted by the Mental Health Foundation, 29% of women have been treated for a mental health issue, compared to 19% of men. Therefore, women suffering mental illness are at a significantly higher risk of performing reckless or juvenile
Additionally, these aforementioned ‘drives and stigmas’ have a direct correlation to one’s upbringing and media consumption which both play a tremendous role in the likelihood of juvenile behavior. One study held by the Office of Justice Programs, suggested that men seek to fulfill the role of a masculine provider, independent and powerful, which reinforces the concept of masculinity with themes such as violence and aggression. Whereas Females seek to fulfill a more complementary or submissive role, one that provides stability and femininity. However, when these archetypes cannot be met, or are threatened, is when the probability of a juvenile offense skyrockets. Therefore, many females perceive future goals as unachievable once entered into the Justice System, leading them to seek more reckless and dangerous lifestyles. Another predominant determining factor for juvenile delinquency is mental wellness. In the “NCMHJJ Prevalence Study (2006)” 70.4% of juvenile delinquents had a positive diagnosis of mental illnesses. Furthermore, according to a study conducted by the Mental Health Foundation, 29% of women have been treated for a mental health issue, compared to 19% of men. Therefore, women suffering mental illness are at a significantly higher risk of performing reckless or juvenile