NCJ Number
148320
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 20 Issue: 3-4 Dated: (1994) Pages: 85-96
Date Published
1994
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Based on a synthesis of selected research findings and theoretical topics, this article examines some psychosocial factors that may contribute to the overrepresentation of black males in the criminal justice system.
Abstract
The analysis considers socioeconomic considerations, achievement, childhood patterns, and coping styles and suggests that many of these factors are interdependent. Racism and discrimination, along with their consequences of poverty, unemployment, and academic failure, are probably the most studied factors contributing to the involvement of black males in criminal activities. While one-third of the black community may be classified as middle-class, the other two-thirds have low incomes or are in poverty. Nearly 70 percent of black males aged 16-19 had jobs in 1950, compared to less than 40 percent in 1970 and less than 30 percent in the 1980's. Those who are employed have lower salaries than their white counterparts. Nevertheless, most black males in this frustrating situation do maintain legitimate lifestyles. Black males are also often mislabeled and negatively tracked in schools. Childhood deviance and maladjustment and coping styles such as innovator or retreatist rather than conformist or ritualist may also relate to involvement in criminal activity. Socioeconomic problems are interconnected with the problems in academic achievement; childhood patterns are related to coping styles. To improve the social status of black males and reduce the number incarcerated, the educational and economic opportunities must be widened and deepened. 34 references (Author abstract modified)