FOUR: Gender Assignment

It is important to review the gender differences in the development of girls and boys.  Gender differences are developed over the course of life, and are a result of the individual and his/her socialization, cognitive and personality processes.  These differences influence behavior and criminal activity. 
Gender differences cause disparities in offending, and as a result, boys still commit more violent crimes than girls, although the gender gap in crime and delinquency rates overall is narrowing.  The trait theories suggest that biological and psychological differences in development contribute to the differences in the trends of offending.  The socialization process views the differences as a result of the child’s social development, family experiences, or family disruption, which can contribute to delinquency, and girls seem to be more affected by the “family experience” than boys.

• Watch the video titled  Girls to Gangsters .

This television clip from the popular show Gangland features female gang members and their stories.

• Write a 1-page, double-spaced paper that answers the following questions:
  • If you were given the opportunity to alter the juvenile justice system so that girls were treated more equally, how would you do so?
  • Do you believe that this is even possible?

Support your work with scholarly academic resources, textbooks, or other sources provided.  Use of APA format is required.