Description
Abstract
The goal of the article is to investigate whether well-established risk factors among urban female adolescents are associated with gun-related delinquency in particular. Many studies suggest that African-American females have a greater propensity to engage in delinquent behavior compared to their White counterparts in response to adverse environmental conditions, and that the rates of criminal involvement among this group are closest to White males. However, there is limited research that focuses solely on the patterns of criminality specific to this group with regard to risk factors, and the unique nature of black female juvenile delinquency remains overlooked. Additionally, most studies on violent delinquency have either addressed male gun violence or female violence through the use of knives or other weapons. Less is known about gun-related delinquency among this population. Using data drawn from survey responses of 208 female juveniles, emphasis is placed on the factors that position them at a greater risk of engaging in gun violence. The study uses a cross-sectional correlational study of family criminality, victimization (both direct and indirect), peer delinquency, psychological symptomatology, and gun-related delinquency. Findings show greatest support for psychological symptomatology and family criminality as correlates to gun-related delinquency. Suggestions for future research are addressed.
Keywords: Gun-Related Delinquency, Urban Females, Risk Factors, Victimization, Violence
