Although the condition and its quick recovery suggested an hysterical
basis (no evidence of epilepsy has been found, and alcohol was ruled
out by her long stay in the institution) nevertheless, the condition
while it lasted made her wholly irresponsible, and it can easily
be seen what a menace such an individual would be in a community.
Thirty-seven per cent. of the 240 cases studied represent aberrational
types of greater or less intensity. It can readily be understood what
a factor such types would be in furnishing individuals of weakened
resistance to help fill the demand of prostitution.
The 67 cases showing apparently normal mentality when studied further
have revealed the following characteristics:
Twenty-eight cases have shown hysteria, epilepsy or marked aberrational
tendencies. Of the 39 cases remaining, 8 show innate characteristics,
which, combined with the unfortunate conditions of home and environment
in which they were placed, were apparently responsible for their
delinquency. The innate characteristics of these cases include the
following:
The aggressive untamed personality with primitive passions; the woman
who has gone through life with a chip on her shoulder, believing that
the world owed her a living; the sensual type which has over-developed
physical characteristics; the immature personality, non-resisting in
temperament (often called weak-willed), which is unable to appreciate
and shoulder responsibility; excessive vanity and love of pleasure in
an indolent nature, or the craving for excitement and applause and the
love of leadership, with only undesirable avenues open in which to
exercise it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account