Exam 3: Theoretical Perspectives on Race and Crime
Bradley argued against ______ by stating that Whites, due to moving to colder areas, were historically aggressors.
C
Describe how the colonial model contextualizes race and crime.
The colonial model contextualizes race and crime by perpetuating the idea that certain racial and ethnic groups are inherently more prone to criminal behavior. This model was established during the colonial era when European powers justified their colonization and exploitation of non-white populations by portraying them as inherently inferior and prone to criminal behavior. This led to the creation of racial hierarchies where non-white individuals were seen as more likely to commit crimes and therefore in need of stricter control and punishment.
The colonial model also played a significant role in shaping the criminal justice system, leading to discriminatory practices such as racial profiling, harsher sentencing for non-white individuals, and the overrepresentation of people of color in prisons. This model continues to influence societal perceptions of race and crime, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to systemic racism within the criminal justice system.
Overall, the colonial model has had a lasting impact on how race and crime are understood and addressed, perpetuating inequality and injustice for marginalized communities. It is important to recognize and challenge the influence of this model in order to work towards a more equitable and just society.
Briefly explain the role of "social buffers" in reducing crime.
Social buffers refer to protective factors within a community that can mitigate the risk of crime and delinquency. These buffers can take various forms, such as strong social networks, community organizations, and supportive family structures. They play a crucial role in reducing crime by fostering a sense of belonging, providing support and resources, and promoting positive social norms.
Here are some ways in which social buffers help in reducing crime:
1. **Community Cohesion**: When community members have strong bonds and look out for one another, there is a collective efficacy that deters criminal behavior. People are more likely to intervene or report crime when they feel connected to their neighbors.
2. **Youth Engagement**: Social buffers often include programs that engage young people in positive activities, such as sports, arts, and community service. These programs keep youth occupied and connected to mentors, reducing the likelihood that they will engage in criminal activities.
3. **Support Networks**: Social buffers provide support networks for individuals who may be at risk of offending. This support can come from family, friends, or community organizations and can offer guidance, counseling, and assistance with basic needs, which can reduce the stressors that may lead to criminal behavior.
4. **Positive Role Models**: Having positive role models within the community can inspire individuals, especially youth, to pursue constructive paths. Role models can demonstrate the value of education, hard work, and community involvement, which can steer individuals away from crime.
5. **Access to Resources**: Social buffers often involve providing access to resources such as job training, education, and healthcare. By improving socioeconomic conditions and reducing poverty, communities can address some of the root causes of crime.
6. **Conflict Resolution**: Communities with strong social buffers may have mechanisms in place for resolving conflicts peacefully, such as mediation services or restorative justice programs. These can prevent disputes from escalating into criminal behavior.
7. **Promotion of Social Norms**: Social buffers help in establishing and maintaining positive social norms. When communities have shared expectations for behavior, individuals are more likely to conform to these norms, reducing the incidence of crime.
In summary, social buffers play a vital role in crime reduction by creating an environment that supports positive social interactions, provides resources and opportunities, and promotes a culture that is less conducive to criminal activity. By strengthening these social structures, communities can effectively reduce the risk factors associated with crime and enhance the overall well-being of their residents.
John Wright's Biosocial Thesis on Race and Offending offers two reasons for race and problem behavior that he maintains are based on "an evolutionary understanding of race differences." What are these two reasons?
Briefly explain the difference between Merton's anomie/strain theory and Robert Agnew's general strain theory.
Darnell Hawkins's theory, proposed as an alternative to the subculture of violence theory, argues that history has nothing to do with current violence in African American communities.
Robert Agnew used general strain theory to examine strain at a macro level.
The Bell Curve refuted the findings from the book Crime and Human Nature.
Provide a contemporary example of collective efficacy in a community. How does collective efficacy deter crime?
______ is the term used to describe the focus on the "crime in the streets" rather than the "crime in the suites."
The connection between biology and behavior has become a more accepted area of study within criminology.
When all ______ have abandoned a community, Wilson (1987) suggested that the remaining individuals are in a state of social isolation.
William Oliver argued that Black males emphasize masculinity, thrill-seeking, and sexual conquest for which of the following reasons?
Which of the following texts contributed to the disappearance of intelligence based theories from criminological literature during the 1970s?
Emile Durkheim used the term anomie to refer to a state of normlessness or lack of social regulation in modern society.
Social disorganization cannot explain groups such as ______ communities that, while disorganized, retain low crime rates.
Which gene-based evolutionary theory links many of the differences between the races, including crime patterns, to migrations out of Africa?
Consider racial differences in criminal offending. A general strain theory explanation implies that African-Americans experience disproportionate strain. What are some of the strains that Kaufman and his colleagues cite?
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