Causes of African‐American Juvenile Delinquency

Racial Discrimination and Pathways to Delinquency

“…A core thesis within their theory is that the experience of racial discrimination disrupts the ability of African American youths to build strong bonds with conventional institutions. A large segment of their theory is devoted to explaining how this process unfolds within schools (Unnever, 2015). Extending the classic work of Steele (1997), Unnever and Gabbidon (2011) argue that experiences with racial discrimination weaken the ties that African American youths have with their schools.…”

“…Lastly, these racialized pathways suggest that race-centered school reforms may be needed to address the unique racialized experiences that African American youths encounter within their schools. Unnever (2015) outlines numerous approaches that educators may wish to consider to enhance the bonds that African American youths build with their teachers, peers, and school. For example, Unnever suggests that educators must openly acknowledge the racist history of schooling and confront the racist practices (e.g., lower expectations that teachers may have for African American youths) and stereotypes (e.g., the “criminalblackman”) that pervade schools.…”

Race and Youth Crime

“…Among other things, African Americans are more likely to experience economic and other strains, including family and school problems, victimization, and, of course, discrimination itself (Agnew, 2006; Brunson & Weitzer, 2011; Burt, Simons, & Gibbons, 2012; Eitle & Turner, 2003; Gabbidon & Peterson, 2006; Kaufman, 2005; Kaufman, Rebellon, Thaxton, & Agnew, 2008; N. L. Piquero et al, 2015; Unnever, 2015; Unnever & Gabbidon, 2011). African Americans are said to be lower in both self- and social control, including parental supervision, bonds to school and work, and direct control by neighbors (e.g., Farrington et al, 2003; Gabbidon, 2010; Sampson, 1987; Sampson & Wilson, 1995; Unnever & Gabbidon, 2011; Wright & Younts, 2009).…”

“…Several criminologists argue that aspects of racial socialization reduce the likelihood of responding to discrimination with crime (Burt & Simons, 2015; Burt et al, 2012; ; Unnever, 2015; Unnever & Gabbidon, 2011). This is said to be true of efforts to teach children about their racial heritage, promote racial identity and pride, and prepare them for bias, with children being made aware of racism and taught legal strategies to cope with it.…”

“…And criminologists have devoted much effort to explaining this fact (for overviews, see Gabbidon, 2010; N. L. Piquero, Piquero, & Stewart, 2015; Unnever, 2015; Unnever & Gabbidon, 2011). The relationship between race and youth crime is not straightforward, however (Agnew & Brezina, 2015; Elliott & Ageton, 1980).…”