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SAGE Journal User Guide

Article 1.

Luke, K. P. (2008). Are girls really becoming more violent? A critical analysis. Affilia, 23(1), 38-50. doi:10.1177/0886109907310461

In this article, the author explores public and professional concern over a perceived increase in girls’ violence.  The analysis suggests that the discourse around girls’ violence obscures other important processes related to shifting norms around race and gender. 

1. Explain the two broad claims made about girls’ violence, according to the author’s framework:  (a) Girls are becoming more violent; (b) Girls are not becoming more violent.  How do the proponents of each of these explain the empirical basis (i.e., arrest rates) for their claims? 
2. How do girls’ experiences in child welfare and other social service systems influence their contact with the juvenile justice system? 
3. How do the shifting norms of gender and race influence societal concern over violence among girls? 

Article 2.

Sellers, B. G. (2015). Community-based recovery and youth justice. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 42(1), 58-69. doi:10.1177/0093854814550027

This article explores the values behind the popular “get tough” approaches to youth crime and reviews data on their lack of effectiveness.  Alternatives, such as restorative justice and therapeutic approaches, are presented. 

1. What are the common principles and elements of the “get tough” approaches to youth crime discussed here?
2. How does rehabilitation differ from the “get tough” approach to juvenile justice? 
3. Describe the rationale for restorative justice and how it works.