NCJ Number
200669
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 43 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2003 Pages: 269-290
Date Published
2003
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This journal article presents minority perspectives in regards to criminology and criminology theory.
Abstract
References to race and ethnicity are commonplace in empirical criminology. It is important to move beyond the race and crime debate in order to better formulate minority perspectives in criminology. Many minorities are often reluctant to contribute a minority perspective concerning criminology because of a negative history of race and crime research and the inadequacy of minority rights in the United States. All criminologists, regardless of ethnic identity, can and should contribute to minority perspectives in British criminology. Addressing empirical issues concerning race and ethnicity in criminology, the authors argue that researchers working within a minority perspective should be committed to making their research accessible to all by disseminating their research findings directly to research participants who publish in traditional academic journals and books. Turning to a discussion of theoretical approaches, the authors argue that the structural context of life within minority communities cannot be understood without incorporating a historical perspective. Discussing practice and policy within criminology, it is ethical to criticize existing works that are based on ill-considered stereotypes and that are guilty of cultural pathologizing. Furthermore, criminology should have a new research agenda that focuses on diverse minority groups in British society and that researchers need to question whether or not British criminology, as a whole, fails to provide an appropriate professional service to people because of their color, culture, or ethnic origin. References