Routes to achieving change:lessons form the past,prospects for the future

• In Event: Perspectives on Feminist Criminology: Legacies and Lessons

Abstract

Feminist Criminology is now over 50 years old; Smart’s key text was published in 1977; the DWC
has marked its 30 anniversary. By any standards, this is a remarkable development and is a major and significant part of the field.
Yet a striking feature of the literature is its focus on comparative failure, particularly lack of recognition in mainstream works, marginalisation of feminist theory, absence of female subjects from research studies and the absence of all women, but especially BLAME women in senior and prestigious academic posts.
In this paper I present a personal account of my own journey through and with the growth of feminist criminology, noting the significant points where major changes happened (or didn’t). I describe the milestones marking pivotal moments in this history as Houghton St, Holloway, Hackney and the High Court. Five different types of pioneers are noted: Feminist activist, Researcher/ scholar, Convict/survivor/scholar, Femocrat, and Social influencer. I conclude with observations on
recipes for success and failure in the field.

Author

• Frances Heidensohn, London School of Economics