This article summarizes key issues in the historical conceptualization of, and responses to, girls’ delinquency. Drawing on historical material, we tease out distinctive elements of the conception and perception of girls’ delinquency in England and Wales. We demonstrate some of the inherent and pervasive myths, muddles and misconceptions in their treatment and outline the implicit as well as the explicit reinforcement of gender stereotypes which have informed theory, policy and practice over time. Yet whilst ‘welfare’ perspectives have often brought trouble for girls in terms of excessive intervention, modern ‘justice’ perspectives have perhaps criminalized girls’ genuine welfare needs.
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