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Abstract: 

Research suggests that the process of desistance may be different for men and women. The authors of this study conducted interviews with young people of both sexes aged 14-25 years, selected and grouped at what the authors identified as significant points at which young people make choices about offending behavior. Among the notable findings were that while offending may be a socially inclusive experience for young men, it was seldom the case for young women, who were viewed as having broken both the law and the “gender contract.” This article details the major findings and conclusions from these interviews, and discerns important differences at various ages as well as differences between boys and girls, in decisions to offend and in decisions to stop engaging in offending.

Keywords: desistance; avoidance practices; friendship groups

Affiliations:  1: University of Stirling; 2: University of Liverpool; 3: University of Stirling.