NCJ Number
155139
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: (1995) Pages: 177-189
Date Published
1995
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article explores culture conflict theory as a partial explanation for the differences found in socially disruptive behaviors reported by 16 Alaskan Native villages, half of whom belong to the Yupiit Nation, a sovereignty movement dedicated to political autonomy for Alaskan Natives.
Abstract
Many of the arguments presented by native peoples in support of their claims to land and sovereignty revolve around issues contained in culture conflict theory, such as the unjust taking of lands; the imposition of alien legal, educational, and religious systems; and the effect of colonialism on native cultures. The research data consisted of all incidents reported to the Department of Public Safety for the sampled villages during 1983-87. Results revealed that 9,882 incidents were reported. Villages belonging to the sovereignty movement reported far less crime than the other villages, a result that might be expected in terms of culture conflict theory. Similarly, riverine villages reported more disorder than the coastal villages. Alcohol was involved in high percentages of suicides, rapes, assaults, and accidental deaths; local option laws clearly have not kept people from drinking. Recommendations for further research, tables, figure, and 35 references (Author abstract modified)