The Gendered Nature of Community- and Family-Level Adversity: Perspectives from Justice-Involved Youth in Northern Ireland

This qualitative study explores the gendered dimensions of community- and family-level adversity among justice-involved young people in Northern Ireland. Drawing on 30 semi-structured interviews with boys and girls referred to the Northern Ireland Youth Justice Agency, this research examines how gender shapes experiences of community and family deprivation, instability, and adversity, generally considered to be gender-neutral criminogenic needs. Findings reveal that while socioeconomic and family stressors affect both genders, their impacts on girls, as compared with boys, differ. The lens through which their community was viewed differed according to gender. Street violence and crime were more salient in boys’ lives, while family dysfunction appeared to impact girls more acutely. These insights underscore the need for early, gender-responsive youth offending interventions that meaningfully address relational safety and community marginalization.