Crime Topic 6 - Ethnicity Flashcards
What major differences exist between ethnic groups within the criminal justice system?
Over-representation of Black and some Asian groups in arrests and prison populations
Black people were 2.4 times more likely to be arrested than white people, and minority ethnic groups made up 26% of the prison population compared to 12% of the general population.
What is a victim survey?
A survey that asks individuals about crimes they have been victims of, usually covering the past 12 months
Examples include the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW).
What do victim surveys help to overcome?
The problem of offences not reported to or recorded by the police
They provide insights into the prevalence of crime and victimization among different ethnic groups.
What is one significant limitation of victim surveys?
They exclude corporate crimes, covering only personal crimes
This limits understanding of ethnic variations in corporate crime.
What is a self-report study?
A study that asks individuals to disclose their own dishonest and violent behavior, usually anonymously
Useful for uncovering unreported offenses.
What did Graham and Bowling find about offending rates?
Offending rates for black and white respondents were similar, at 43% and 44% respectively
Asian respondents reported lower offending rates.
True or False: Black people are more likely than whites to offend according to self-report studies.
False
Self-report studies challenge the stereotype of higher offending rates among black individuals.
What is the relationship between stop and search practices and ethnic minorities?
Black people are seven times more likely to be stopped than whites
Asians are also disproportionately affected, being twice as likely to be stopped.
What does the Macpherson report conclude about the Metropolitan police force?
It concluded that there is institutional racism within the force
This includes the endorsement of a ‘canteen culture’.
What are the two types of stops conducted by police?
Low discretion stops and high discretion stops
Low discretion stops are based on information, while high discretion stops rely on police stereotypes.
According to Left Realism, what three factors produce crime?
Relative deprivation, subcultures, marginalization
These factors are linked to the economic and social conditions faced by ethnic minorities.
What does Neo-Marxism argue about official statistics?
They are socially constructed and result from racist labeling and discrimination
This perspective suggests that statistics stereotype ethnic minorities as more criminal.
What is the ‘myth of black criminality’ according to Gilroy?
It is a myth created by racist stereotypes of African Caribbeans and Asians
Gilroy argues that black crime is a form of resistance against British imperialism.
What did Hall argue about the moral panic over mugging in the 1970s?
It served as a scapegoat to distract from wider social problems
The black mugger symbolized the disintegration of social order.
What is the relationship between neighborhood deprivation and crime rates?
Higher crime rates are found in poorer areas where deprived youth interact with affluent people
Black youths are more likely to live in such areas due to racial discrimination.
What is racist victimization?
Victimization based on an individual’s ethnicity
Brought into focus by the murder of Stephen Lawrence.
In 2015/15, how many racist incidents were recorded in England and Wales?
54,000 racist incidents
Most incidents were damage to property or verbal harassment.
What do Sampson and Phillips note about the statistics on racist victimization?
The stats do not reflect the experience of being a victim of racist crimes
Victims often experience repeated incidents over time.
Which ethnic group is most likely to be victims of crime?
Those from mixed ethnic groups
This indicates a variation in victimization rates by ethnic background.
Which ethnic group is less likely to be victims of crime?
Whites
This highlights the differences in victimization experiences across ethnic groups.
What do Sampson and Phillips note about the statistics on victimization?
They do not reflect the experience of being a victim of racist crimes
This implies that the statistics may underrepresent the reality of ongoing victimization.
What type of crime prevention strategies have been implemented in response to victimization?
Situational crime prevention strategies
Examples include fireproof doors and letterboxes.
What organized efforts have been made in response to victimization?
Self-defence campaigns
These campaigns aim to empower individuals against victimization.
What accusation has been made against the police regarding victimization?
Under-protection of victims
This stems from a failure to address the racist dimensions of victimization.
What did the Macpherson Report identify within the Metropolitan Police?
Institutionalised racism
This finding points to systemic issues within the police force.
What did the Macpherson Report describe as a pervasive culture within the police?
Canteen culture of racism
This culture reflects deeply ingrained attitudes among police officers.
Fill in the blank: The statistics on victimization do not reflect the experience of being a victim of _______.
racist crimes
This suggests a gap in understanding the full scope of victimization experiences.
