Crime (ETHNICITY)
General
Official stats highlight black people as more likely to be stopped, arrested and imprisoned. Some argue this is because they're more likely to offend, due to poor educational achievement, dysfunctional family structure and racist stereotypes in media. Some sociologists say they merely appear more criminal due to discrimination in wider society.
Why black people appear criminal - LEA AND YOUNG
Difference in stats is result of black people being discriminated in wider society. Utilitarian crime is a response to material deprivation and non-utilitarian crime is due to their frustration towards society. Believe police racism is not main cause of this because 90% of crimes are reported by the public.
Why black people appear criminal - GILROY
Black Minority Ethnic don't commit more crime than others, it's result of racist policing on stereotypes. Also, BME often come from colonies where they resisted oppression. However, when resisting racism in Britain it's criminalised.
Why black people appear criminal - HALL
In 70s - moral panic about black people and mugging, because capitalism was in crisis and used story to cover up. Black people not more criminal, but are victim of capitalism. This made black people unlikely to get jobs and turn to crime.
Why black people are criminal - Education
Black pupils perform poorly, and so may find it hard to find legitimate well-paid job. So may either turn to illegal means of employment (such as drug trade) or turn to crime due to relative deprivation.
Why black people are criminal - Family
Functionalists - growing rate of lone-parents in the black community leads to bad socialisation, so children not taught correct norms and values of society (they are not taught crime is immoral).
Why black people are criminal - Media
Media representations reinforce stereotype that black people are more criminal. Leads to self fulfilling prophecy so they will commit more crime.