NCJ Number
167983
Date Published
1997
Length
65 pages
Annotation
This criminological analysis provides an overview of relevant empirical data and interpretations of ethnic-minority crime in the Netherlands.
Abstract
In this study the concept of "crime" is restricted to the most common forms of predatory crime, i.e., forms of theft and violence. Dutch research shows a clear and consistent pattern of overrepresentation of ethnic minority juveniles as suspects for delinquency. When controlled for socioeconomic status, they apparently commit approximately 1.5 to 3 times more criminal acts than the native Dutch population of the same age group. There are also differences in delinquency among the ethnic minority groups, with Moroccan youth being the most criminally involved and Turkish juveniles being the least involved compared with native Dutch juveniles. All ethnic minority groups included in this study have lower socioeconomic status than the average Dutch citizen. They have structural social deprivations in common that often preclude a successful participation in the conventional society: poor education, unemployment, and scarce availability of organized leisure. Cultural factors specific to some ethnic minority groups also play a role in delinquency. Cultural conflict often leads to discrimination and the exclusion of ethnic minority groups from assimilation into mainstream society. This can also result in a tendency within ethnic minority groups to withdraw into their own national-religious circles, which can result in informal social controls on juveniles' behavior. Some youth, however, are alienated from both the native culture of their families and Dutch culture. The prevention of delinquency among ethnic-minority youth depends on effective integration of such youth into mainstream socioeconomic opportunities and dominant patterns of behavior. Collective socioeconomic improvement is a prerequisite for such a process. It is not sufficient, however, for the government to target ethnic minorities for improved socioeconomic opportunities. Discrimination must also be addressed. The efficiency and effectiveness of interventions might be improved through multifaceted community programs for deprived urban communities with a high-ethnic-minority population. 51 references and 5 tables