Gang Girls, the Street Corner, and “New Urban Frontiers”: Melbourne, Boston, Chicago, 1910–1945

Abstract

Along with urban sociologists identified with the Chicago School, William F. Whyte in his Street Corner Society sought to understand street gangs and political networks in the poor neighborhoods of American cities, 1910–1945. To varying degrees these sociologists marginalized women. Furthermore, and despite claims that their theories could be universalized, they rarely considered cities beyond the United States. Their incomplete accounts can be enhanced by historical comparisons with the Australian city of Melbourne. In the early twentieth century, Melbourne's “larrikinesses” took a more active role in the “push” than is commonly recognized. They then took advantage of Melbourne's expanding public transport system to pursue their adventures beyond home neighborhoods. In a wonderful historical twist, the two worlds met briefly during the Pacific War when US Marines were stationed in Melbourne.