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Flowers in Hell: An Investigation Into Women and Crime

NCJ Number
125906
Author(s)
B Bardsley
Date Published
1987
Length
206 pages
Annotation
Female criminality in Great Britain is examined in terms of the reasons that women break the law, the handling of female offenders by the police and courts, and female offenders' experiences in prison.
Abstract
The discussion also considers the stereotypes of female offenders, particularly the label of insanity, and the cultural images of men, women, and crime in television, movies, and literature. The involvement of females in terrorism and other political crimes is also examined. Study data came from female offenders of varied ages, races, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status. Findings showed that women commit crimes for five basic reasons: to obtain money, as a result of their anger, to achieve success, for excitement, and as a result of psychological need. Results also indicated the need to recognize and address the myths regarding females and female criminality and to eliminate sex discrimination in the law and the prisons. Therefore, social policies should encourage women's innate independence and the development of practical and artistic skills that reflect their talents in socially acceptable ways. Chapter notes, list of 33 printed references and organizations, and index.