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Wayward Girls of the Past: Hugh Baird University Centre Lecturer Dr. Alghrani’s Debut Book Explores Their Stories

Dr Tahaney Alghrani, Criminology course Lead at Hugh Baird University Centre, has published her PhD thesis with Bloomsbury Press in her debut book, Wayward Girls in Victorian and Edwardian Britain: Pathways in and out of Juvenile Institutions.

Dr Alghrani is a historical criminologist who uses historical sources to explore the world of juvenile institutions in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, emphasising young girls’ experiences. This is an area of passion for Tahaney who is currently researching themes of historical imperialism, Pathways of girls from English institutions sent to Canada and Juvenile institutions in Nineteenth Century India.

The book focuses on the ideologies, reforms, and disciplinary practices that shaped the lives of incarcerated juvenile girls during this period. In her book, Dr Alghrani explores the lives of young girls in industrial schools in Bristol and Manchester and provides detailed case studies highlighting the intersectionality of Gender, Age and Class in shaping the justice systems’ treatment of young girls. It is an innovative field of study that brings young female experiences into an area historically dominated by male offenders.

When discussing the release of her book, Tahaney said:

“The book was important to write to give a voice to these girls, who up to now, their lives have largely been silent in the histories. The book analyses the intersection between gender and class, examining female institutions in specific locations that have not been fully considered previously. This research is significant for the fields of Feminist Criminology and Youth justice policy and practice.”

Delyth Coles, Director of Higher Skills at Hugh Baird University Centre, said:

“We are all so proud of Tahaney. She has put in so much hard work, writing the book whilst remaining committed to teaching her students. It’s a great achievement and brings to light an area of needed research.”

You can order ‘Wayward Girls in Victorian and Edwardian Britain; Pathways in and out of Juvenile Institutions directly from Bloomsbury

The Hugh Baird University Centre offers a range of degree-level courses, all validated and approved by the University of Central Lancashire and the University of Cumbria. Find out more about Criminology Degrees at the University Centre.