NCJ Number
105003
Date Published
1986
Length
112 pages
Annotation
A 1986 survey of a random probability sample of 1,135 Maryland residents revealed few changes from a similar 1982 study and showed that Marylanders hold generally tolerant attitudes on most racial matters.
Abstract
Following an explanation of the data collection methodology, the report compares 1986 and 1982 survey results with regard to perceptions of race relations and attitudes toward antiminority incidents, job and educational opportunities for blacks, minorities in general, and racial stereotypes. It also compares these attitudes with national samples. The report discusses attitudes of young adults and older respondents toward the Jewish minority, as well as responses from Jewish respondents. Survey data revealed that white Maryland residents overwhelmingly disapproved not only of cross burnings and related incidents, but of laws banning interracial marriage, segregated housing, claims of racial inferiority, and stereotypes of blacks as untrustworthy or trying to take advantage. The most notable change among whites over 1982 was an increase in the proportion who believed that blacks do not have the will or motivation to pull themselves out of poverty and a decrease in those who felt that blacks' disadvantaged positions were due to less chance for education. The most notable change among blacks was a significant decrease in numbers who felt whites could be trusted. Perceptions of racial tensions decreased somewhat from 1982 among both groups. Jewish respondents generally were more tolerant in their responses than other groups and tended to be more sensitive to race relations than other whites. Tables summarize responses to individual questions.