Women in Gang Research

Abstract

Abstract This chapter is multipronged, broadly evaluating women in gang ethnography. First, the chapter provides an overview of the women who have produced notable works in this area and documents the contributions of female gang ethnographers across disciplines to the growing field of gang studies. It highlights how female scholars have extended the field, especially pertaining to unmasking the roles of girls and women in gangs, gender theory, feminist and queer methodology in gang research, as well as other methodological innovations. Second, the chapter critically evaluates the process of conducting gang ethnography as a woman, unmasking the unique and complex fieldwork realities women must often navigate. In this respect, this chapter explores the challenges and benefits of this type of research. It then outlines directions for future research with respect to encouraging and expanding both the topics of inquiry and the scholars who undertake this work.