Sage Criminology

Author Alessandra González discusses her recent article in Feminist Criminology, “How Women Engage Homegrown Terrorism.” The article, co-authored by Joshua Freilich and Steven Chermak, appears in the special November issue of the journal, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the American Society of Criminology’s Division on Women and Crime. Abstract: U.S. Extremist Crime Database (ECDB) Study data of homicides by far-right extremists and arsons and bombings by environmental and animal rights extremists suggest that compared with men, relationships are catalysts for women’s involvement in domestic terrorism; recruitment and opportunity differ by ideology and are not always effective in victimizing their intended hate group. We suggest an inter-disciplinary approach that considers criminological principles of strain theory along with sociological emphasis on gendered social networks and the strength of weak ties.   The article is currently available OnlineFirst. For more information on the DWC’s 30th Anniversary