Document Type

Thesis

Degree Comments

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Criminal Justice in the Graduate College of Bridgewater State University, 2016.

Degree Program

Criminal Justice

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the ways in which juvenile females enter into prostitution. This theoretical analysis will assess support for existing explanations of delinquency and prostitution of female juveniles using secondary data sources. This secondary data source is pulled from a survey of 114 adjudicated delinquent girls in South Carolina, which was collected in 2014. A comprehensive review of the literature regarding juvenile prostitution will include perspectives on polyvictimization and cumulative trauma as well as the history of prostitution. These concepts will be supported further by discussing current research and survey data. The specific focus of this study is to examine juvenile prostitution from a theoretical standpoint, in hopes of understanding juvenile entry into sex work. Theories investigated are General Strain Theory (GST), the Cycle of Violence Hypothesis and Gendered Pathways theory.

Committee/Advisor(s)

Jennifer Hartsfield (chair)

Richard G. Wright

Mia Ortiz

Download

Included in

Criminology Commons

Share

COinS