Purpose: This study delves into the effects of labels, specifically crime-first language, on public attitudes toward adolescent girls within the juvenile legal system. Examining fictional vignettes depicting family conflict, the research explores whether the use of language influences the endorsement of punitive responses and if this effect varies across racial and ethnic lines. Method: A large online, statewide sample of adults ( n = 1,791) was randomized to one of six vignettes. Results: Findings reveal that crime-first language, “accused of domestic battery,” is significantly associated with more punitive attitudes. We found no interaction effects between race and label. Although effect sizes were small, the study emphasizes the need to reconsider language choices to avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes and stigmatization. Discussion: Identifying and disseminating person-first language may be an important form of social work practice that can enhance current efforts on the Social Work Grand Challenge of promoting smart decarceration.

中文翻译：

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少年法律制度中犯罪优先的标签和公众对青春期女孩的态度


目的：本研究探讨了标签（特别是犯罪优先语言）对青少年法律体系内公众对青春期女孩的态度的影响。该研究通过检查描述家庭冲突的虚构小插曲，探讨语言的使用是否会影响对惩罚性反应的认可，以及这种影响是否因种族和民族而异。方法：全州范围内的大量在线成人样本（n = 1,791）被随机分配到六个小插图之一。结果：研究结果表明，犯罪第一语言“指控家庭殴打”与更多的惩罚态度显着相关。我们发现种族和标签之间没有相互作用。尽管影响较小，但该研究强调需要重新考虑语言选择，以避免长期存在负面刻板印象和污名化。讨论：识别和传播以人为本的语言可能是社会工作实践的一种重要形式，可以增强当前推动智能监禁的社会工作大挑战的努力。