NCJ Number
246283
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2013 Pages: 125-134
Date Published
February 2013
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Using an interdisciplinary approach, this paper discusses theoretical mechanisms leading to racial differences in homicide victimization.
Abstract
It hypothesizes that Black Americans are likelier than Whites to become homicide victims and, if victimized, are likelier to be younger than victimized Whites. Evidence in the literature traces the roots of homicide victimization to social inequalities and disadvantages. The evidence suggests that homicide victimization is associated with six demographic social and lifestyle factors. These factors include being male, African-American, young, of low socioeconomic status, without adequate social support, and being mentally ill or a substance user. At all ages, Blacks are likelier than Whites to become homicide victims, and the racial discrepancy in homicide victimization is highest for 15- to 24 year-olds. In order to understand these racial differences in homicide victimization, the authors examine whether and how multiple disadvantages at both the macro and micro levels are disproportionately experienced by Blacks.