Are Girls Really Becoming More Violent? A Critical Analysis

Abstract

This article analyzes the current debate over whether girls' violence is increasing. An examination of the evidence and arguments reveals that public and professional concern over girls' violence is more reflective of cultural anxiety over changing social norms regarding race and gender than an actual increase in girls' violence. Thus, there is a need to expand the existing terms of this debate and challenge assumptions about the relationship between violence and masculinity. The author calls for greater involvement of social work education, practice, and research in the issues surrounding girls' violence.