The Influence of Race/Ethnicity on the Perceived Prevalence and Support for Racial Profiling at Airports

Abstract

This article explores citizens' views on racial profiling at airports. A recent Gallup poll allowed for analyses of the perception of Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites concerning whether they felt racial profiling at airports was widespread and/or justified. Multivariate analyses revealed that Blacks were more likely than Whites to believe profiling at airports was widespread. There were, however, no differences between the opinions of Whites and Hispanics on the extent of profiling in airports. Racial and ethnic minorities were less likely than Whites to believe that profiling at airports was justified. The implications of the results are discussed.

Going beyond Ascribed Identities: The Importance of Procedural Justice in Airport Security Screening in Israel

“…Passengers’ perceptions of airport security measures have not been studied sufficiently, and it is very hard to find a substantive body of research in this area (Gabbidon et al. ; Sindhav et al. ; Lum ).…”

Attitudes Toward the Use of Racial/Ethnic Profiling to Prevent Crime and Terrorism

“…Research shows that men are more supportive of racial/ethnic profiling than women in both the context of preventing crime (Reitzel et al, 2004;Weitzer & Tuch, 2002), and the context of preventing terrorism (Gabbidon et al, 2009). Similarly, conservatives are more approving of racial/ethnic profiling than liberals in both contexts (Gabbidon et al, 2009;Reitzel & Piquero, 2006). Finally, research on New York City residents indicated that education and age were negatively associated with support for profiling in the context of preventing crime (Reitzel & Piquero, 2006, Reitzel et al, 2004.…”

“…Research shows that men are more supportive of racial/ethnic profiling than women in both the context of preventing crime (Reitzel et al, 2004;Weitzer & Tuch, 2002), and the context of preventing terrorism (Gabbidon et al, 2009). Similarly, conservatives are more approving of racial/ethnic profiling than liberals in both contexts (Gabbidon et al, 2009;Reitzel & Piquero, 2006).…”

“…Studies show that Whites are more likely than other racial or ethnic groups to approve of the use of racial/ethnic profiling to prevent crime (Weitzer & Tuch, 2002 and to prevent terrorism (Gabbidon et al, 2009), though one study found no racial difference in the belief that profiling was justified to prevent crime (Reitzel & Piquero, 2006). Weitzer and Tuch (2006) reported that 73% of Whites, 77% of Hispanics, and a full 91% of Blacks disapproved of racial profiling in 2002.…”

“…To date, only a handful of academic studies have examined the sources of opinion on racial/ ethnic profiling in more detail. Most of these focus on profiling in the context of crime prevention (Reitzel & Piquero, 2006;Reitzel, Rice, & Piquero, 2004;Rice, Reitzel, & Piquero, 2005;Weitzer & Tuch, 2002, but two focus on the terrorism context (Gabbidon, Penn, Jordan, & Higgins, 2009;Kim, 2004). Evidence from these studies suggests that a number of factors are associated with views about the use of racial/ ethnic profiling by law enforcement, including race, attitudes toward and experiences with the police, and the salience of crime or terrorism.…”