Ethnicity and crime

Question 1

What do official figures suggest?

Answer 1

Official figures consistently show a link between ethnicity and offending rates
The link has been strongest for the black population in the UK

Question 2

Compared with all white ethic groups in 2013, black groups were…

Answer 2

• Twice as likely to get a police caution
• Nearly three times as likely to be arrested
• More likely to be charged and prosecuted, when arrested
• More likely to be sent to prison if found guilty
• Five times as likely to be in prison

Question 3

Compared with all white ethic groups in 2013, Asian groups were…

Answer 3

• Be charged instead of getting a police caution
• Get a custodial sentence, if found guilty
• Spend longer in prison, if sent there

Question 4

How do Neo-Marxists study ethnicity and crime?

Answer 4

They are interested in cultural factors that they say lead to oppression and marginalisation
They do not focus on individuals; their perspective assumes collective responsibility and asserts that issues are “systemic”

Question 5

What do Neo-Marxists argue about crime?

Answer 5

• Minority groups are negatively stereotyped by the media
• Government use minorities as scapegoats when they need a distraction
• Those in power whip up “moral panics” about minorities
• Black youths are seen as dangerous or aggressive because the British majority isn’t comfortable with their equality
• There is a “hegemony” in society where traditional slave-owner relationships are replaced with police-criminal relationships
• Black groups were given their freedom in the 1830s but are never allowed to become equal

Question 6

How do Left Realists study ethnicity and crime?

Answer 6

Left Realist theorists interpret data rather than coming up with theories purely based on thought or discussion
They propose left-wing explanations for issues that can be measured

Question 7

What is marginality?

Answer 7

Opportunities in education & employment are not fairly given to black people so they resent society and become angry

Question 8

What is relative deprivation?

Answer 8

Black communities are often more deprived, wages are lower, there are fewer amenities, fewer services etc
This means some need crime to survive

Question 9

What are subcultures?

Answer 9

Black communities feel isolated and forgotten
This leads to status frustration and strain, explaining especially why gangs are able to recruit more easily there