The criminology literature has left little room for research and theory on how female offenders are perceived and handled in the criminal justice system.

This book redresses the balance by providing critical insight into this issue. Meda Chesney-Lind explores gender and cultural factors in women's lives that often precede a move towards criminal behaviour, and addresses the question of whether female offenders are more violent today than in the past. The author also takes a revealing look at how public discomfort with the idea of women as criminals has had significant impact on the treatment received by this offender population.