Ethnicity and Crime

Question 1

What are the statistics on ethnicity and Crime?

Answer 1

Suggests what appears to be higher levels of criminality among minority ethnic groups, more specifically against the black population.

Question 2

What did the Ministry of Justice in 2013 reported that compared to white people, black people were…

Answer 2

• over 2x as likely to be cautioned by police
• 3x more likely to be arrested
• if arrested, more likely to be charged, remanded in custody and face courty proceedings than receive a caution.
• more likely to receive a longer sentance
• 5 x more likely to be in prison

Question 3

Ministry of Justice 2013 reported with Asians compared to white people…

Answer 3

• more likely to be charged and face court proceedings than to receive a caution
• more likely to receive a custodial sentence if found guilty and for a longer term.

Question 4

What does Gilroy (1982) say?

Answer 4

Argued crime by black people, especially in the 70s was a form of political action, representing a culture of resistance to inequality and oppressors in the form of police racism and harassment.

Question 5

What does Hall (1978) say?

Answer 5

1970s Britain was facing an economic and political crisis which threatened the dominance of ruling class ideology in society - a crisis of hegemony.