NCJ Number
157337
Journal
Social Pathology Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1995) Pages: 149-164
Date Published
1995
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article reviews and discusses the theoretical and empirical developments in the study of race and juvenile justice decisionmaking since the 1980's.
Abstract
The analysis notes that one advancement that underlies most of these developments is the reconceptualization of what constitutes racism. The result has been a broader view that includes both overt and subtle racism. Although many studies of racial bias fail to use a theoretical framework, labeling theory and conflict theory are the most common perspectives used. Recent revisions have recognized that the effects of race are variable and depend on the context of the situation. Feld's 1991 analysis provides both theoretical and empirical support for the relationship between variations in social structure and in the administration of juvenile justice. Thus, theoretical developments in the last 15 years center on the refinement of conflict theory whereby the social control of minority youth is contingent on history and structure. Analytical procedures have advanced by acknowledging that not all minority groups may be treated alike, including more relevant factors that influence decisionmaking and improved measurement of concepts and variables, and using more sophisticated statistical procedures. Research recommendations and 99 references