Research Project 2: African American Male Juvenile Rehabilit

Research Project 2 African American Male Juvenile Rehabilitation versus Incarceration Punishment

The research paper investigates the disparities between juvenile rehabilitation and incarceration punishments among African-American male offenders. It aims to uncover whether African American youths receive equitable treatment within the juvenile justice system, focusing on how these interventions influence recidivism rates and societal perceptions. The core concern centers on whether the current punitive measures are effective or whether rehabilitative strategies could be more beneficial in promoting positive outcomes for African-American juvenile offenders.

This research emphasizes the social significance of understanding racial disparities in juvenile justice, advocating for policy reforms based on empirical evidence. It seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of existing practices, exploring how racial biases and systemic inequalities shape sentencing decisions and rehabilitative opportunities for African-American youths. The study's goal is to foster awareness and drive societal change that encourages fair treatment and effective interventions tailored to the needs of marginalized communities.

The research adopts a qualitative methodology, utilizing descriptive research design to explore the complex factors influencing juvenile sentencing and rehabilitation. Data collection methods include focus groups, observations, questionnaires, and interviews to gather diverse perspectives from stakeholders, such as juvenile offenders, families, law enforcement officers, and social workers. This approach facilitates an in-depth understanding of the social dynamics, perceptions, and systemic issues that underpin racial disparities in juvenile justice.

The problem statement highlights that African-American male juveniles predominantly face incarceration rather than access to rehabilitative programs, leading to higher recidivism rates. The societal implication is that punitive measures alone fail to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency and may perpetuate cycles of criminal behavior. Existing literature points to disproportionate sentencing and harsher punishments for Black youths, especially in cases involving violent offenses (González, 2017).

The broader purpose of this study is to analyze the differences between rehabilitation and incarceration, emphasizing how systemic biases influence the treatment of African-American juvenile offenders. It advocates for policies that prioritize rehabilitative strategies, providing alternatives such as community-based programs and counseling, which could reduce repeat offenses and promote societal reintegration.

Supporting this inquiry, the background literature reveals that the criminal justice system often employs both punitive and rehabilitative measures but exhibits racial disparities that disadvantage African-American youths. Studies indicate that African-American juveniles are subjected to longer detention periods and harsher punishments compared to their white counterparts, despite similar offenses (Donaldson, 2020; Western & Wildeman, 2008). Additionally, the overrepresentation of Black youths in the juvenile system is linked to broader systemic issues such as socioeconomic disadvantages, community violence, and institutional biases.

Research questions are formulated to explore the perceptions and experiences of stakeholders regarding the relative effectiveness of rehabilitation versus incarceration. They focus on examining how race influences sentencing, access to rehabilitative programs, and subsequent recidivism. The descriptive research design aligns with these questions, aiming to elucidate the "what," "where," "when," and "how" aspects of juvenile justice disparities (Atkin-Plunk, 2020).

This study underscores the importance of transitioning from punitive to rehabilitative models, emphasizing that rehabilitation offers a pathway to positive behavioral change and societal reintegration. Evidence from prior research supports that juveniles engaged in rehabilitative programs exhibit lower recidivism than those subjected solely to incarceration (Hinton & Cook, 2020). The findings aim to inform policymakers, educators, and social service providers to formulate equitable, effective juvenile justice policies that address racial disparities and promote community well-being.

References

• Atkin-Plunk, C. A. (2020). Should all violent offenders be treated equally? Perceptions of punishment and rehabilitation for violent offenders with varying attributes. Victims & Offenders, 15(2), 211-228.
• Donaldson-Richard, K. (2020). Effects of Laws, Policies, and Rehabilitation Programs on African American Male Juvenile Recidivism in Southwest Georgia. Journal of Juvenile Justice, 12(3), 45-67.
• González, T. (2017). Youth incarceration, health, and length of stay. Fordham Urban Law Journal, 45, 45-72.
• Hinton, E., & Cook, D. (2020). The Mass Criminalization of Black Americans: A Historical Overview. Annual Review of Criminology, 4, 59-78.
• Miguel, C., & Gargano, J. (2017). Moving beyond retribution: Alternatives to punishment in a society dominated by the school-to-prison pipeline. Humanities, 6(2), 15-28.
• Showers, C. (2021). Risks for African American Male Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 50, 1234-1248.
• Western, B., & Wildeman, C. (2008). Punishment, inequality, and the future of mass incarceration. Kansas Law Review, 57, 847-872.
• Additional scholarly sources discussing the racial disparities in juvenile justice and the effectiveness of rehabilitative measures.