Samenvatting

This paper delves into the complex relationship between feminism and criminology. It questions whether this alliance has hindered the pursuit of feminist and abolitionist goals. In this paper, mainstream criminology is contextualized within a history of governance. However, feminism is discussed as a movement that has historically challenged state authority. However, feminist criminology has aligned feminism with a state-oriented and scientifically realistic stance. The paper addresses the concept of ‘complicity’ to appoint the role feminist criminology can have played within governance. It suggests that this alliance could compromise feminist political objectives, by scientifically reaching out to governing institutions. The paper concludes by advocating a potential separation of feminism from criminology to better serve contemporary feminist and abolitionist agendas, offering a fresh perspective within critical criminological movements.