Compelled to Crime 1st Edition

by Beth E. Richie (Author)

11 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0415911450

ISBN-10: 0415911451

Why is ISBN important?

Other Sellers

from

Other Sellers

See all 2 versions

More Buying Choices

15 Used from $34.49

Used (15) from $34.49

See All Buying Options

Compelled to Crime tells the stories of battered African American women incarcerated in a New York city correctional facility and explores what happens when the criminal justice system is introduced as a repressive force in their lives. Borrowing from the legal notion of 'gender entrapment', Beth Richie details the ways in which African American women are hemmed into the corners of U.S. society by virtue of their vulnerability to men's violence, and penalized for behaviors that are prescribed by societal mores of appropriate gender roles. Often misrepresented and misunderstood, these women have been physically battered, sexually assaulted, and emotionally abused. These devastating circumstances represent a position from which there is little escape. Desperation leads them into illegal activities, and the cycle is only perpetuated by a legal system that continues to penalize these women and deny them access to the counseling and services they so desperately need to change their lives.

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1

Stephen G. Tibbetts
61
Paperback
$95.00
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Sep 8
FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon
Natalie J. Sokoloff
26
Paperback
$36.95
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Sep 8
FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon
Only 9 left in stock (more on the way).
Randol Contreras
73
Paperback
$29.95
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Sep 8
FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon
Reuben Jonathan Miller
126
Hardcover
$20.49
Get it as soon as Thursday, Sep 2
FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon
Beth E. Richie
52
Paperback
$25.74
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Sep 8
FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon
Only 12 left in stock - order soon.

What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1

Stephen G. Tibbetts
61
Paperback
$95.00
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Sep 8
FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon
Reuben Jonathan Miller
126
Hardcover
$20.49
Get it as soon as Thursday, Sep 2
FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon
Beth E. Richie
52
Paperback
$25.74
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Sep 8
FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon
Only 12 left in stock - order soon.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

While African Americans consider how to accommodate participation in the feminist and black nationalist movements, Richie has taken on one of the most contested issues within the community: African American women battered by African American men. For her study, Richie concentrates on a group of 37 women detained at Rikers Island, who come from a background of poverty and physical and emotional abuse. Richie claims that their experiences represent the extreme of what many African American women undergo as a result of marginalization and hard choices. Throughout she emphasizes her theory of gender entrapment, whereby society provides these women?most of whom want to conform to societal norms?with no socially acceptable way to change their position, making incarceration almost inevitable. Many of the interviewees were determined not to speak out against African American men, believing that their partners already have fewer opportunities than they do. Others believe that, having participated in criminal acts, they are prohibited from taking advantage of social programs designed to help battered women. Although often academically dry and statistical, Richie's book still allows ample room for the women's compelling life histories. She does not, however, offer suggestions for solutions. Hope doesn't illuminate this book?just cold, hard facts.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"The specific foux of the justice system's influence on black female vulnerablity makes for an unusually exact title which analyzes male violence, penalties for women's actions, and paths which lead to crime. Recommended for anyone studying gender, race, and social influences upon crime."
-The Bookwatch
"Richie' gem of a book, "Compelled to Crime, offers a compelling explanation of how some women end up involved in crime. But the book is rich with much more than criminal justice theory. It is an example of rigorous, high-quality qualitative research, and professional writing which dazzles rather than drones. It's a great read."
-"Association for Women in Psychology Newsletter

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Routledge; 1st edition (January 18, 1996)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 200 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0415911451
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0415911450
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.98 x 0.46 x 9.02 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,358,122 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,102 in Family Conflict Resolution
- #2,142 in Gender Studies (Books)
- #3,135 in Family Abuse

Customer Reviews:
11 ratings

Customer reviews

5 star		76%
4 star		24%
3 star 0% (0%)		0%
2 star 0% (0%)		0%
1 star 0% (0%)		0%

How are ratings calculated?

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

LeGrand

I recommend it for everyone who has an interest in the ...

Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2018

Verified Purchase

This is a VERY informative and enlightening read! I recommend it for everyone who has an interest in the subject matter. VERY well-written by an author who knows what she's talking about- an expert in the field!

Helpful

Elaine

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2015

Verified Purchase

Great. :)

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Raquel B.

A less genteel world

Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2001

An example of a prison industrial complex and how it has spilled over to the gentler sex. This disturbingly honest depiction of the American justice system provides more than enough examples of what happens when society turns a blind eye to the less fortunate.

8 people found this helpful

Helpful