Women and the Criminal Justice System: Gender, Race, and Class (5th Edition)

Author: Katherine Stuart van Wormer
Edition: 5th Edition
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN-13: 978-1000515978
Publication Date: December 30, 2021

Women and the Criminal Justice System: Gender, Race, and Class provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the various roles women occupy within the justice system—as victims of crime, as individuals under legal supervision, and as professionals working within the field. This fifth edition utilizes an empowerment approach, weaving together the critical themes of gender, race, and class with evidence-based research. To bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application, the text integrates personal narratives that supplement statistical data and research findings.

This updated edition is deeply informed by modern social movements, including #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, and addresses the ongoing efforts to reduce mass incarceration. It explores vital contemporary topics such as the recognition of lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues in juvenile and adult facilities; the implementation of trauma-informed care in detention centers; and the specific criminalization of Black girls and women. Additionally, the text examines the effects of an increasingly militarized police culture and highlights the contributions of influential figures like Ruth Bader Ginsburg. With a strong emphasis on fostering critical thinking, this book is an essential resource for undergraduate courses focused on women’s experiences in the justice system.