Your Final: Submit A5, 7 Pages Double Spacing

For Your Final You Will Either Submit A5 7 Pages Double Spaced 11 P

For your final you will either submit a 5-7 pages (Double spaced, 11 point font) or a 10-minute powerpoint/oral presentation. Be sure to answer all parts of the prompts. Identify and discuss TWO topics that we covered in class using your own words. (Pretend you are giving this information to someone who has no background or knowledge in criminology and/or justice studies.) Include specific examples from course resources (direct quotes and citations from at least 3 sources). Be sure to incorporate issues of intersectionality. How will you incorporate what you have learned into your future as a criminologist? My topics are race and racism.

Paper For Above instruction

The interconnected topics of race and racism are fundamental to understanding contemporary issues within criminology and justice studies. These topics are not only central to analyzing criminal justice processes but also essential for developing a more equitable and inclusive approach to justice. In this paper, I will discuss how race and racism influence the criminal justice system, integrating key concepts from the course, highlighting intersectionality, and reflecting on how these insights will shape my future career as a criminologist.

Race, as a socially constructed category, has long played a critical role in shaping individuals' experiences within society. In criminology, race often influences perceptions of criminal behavior and judgments within the justice system. For instance, research consistently shows that racial minorities, particularly Black and Latinx communities, are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement practices such as stops, searches, and arrests (Bell, 2016). A stark example is the racial profiling documented in traffic stops, where Black drivers are significantly more likely to be pulled over than White drivers, despite similar behaviors (Glover et al., 2014). This demonstrates how race is embedded within institutional practices, often perpetuating disparities.

Racism manifests both explicitly and implicitly within criminal justice institutions. Explicit racism involves overt discrimination, while implicit bias operates unconsciously, influencing decisions without deliberate intent. For example, studies have shown that police officers may unconsciously associate Black individuals with suspicious behavior, leading to higher suspicion and enforcement actions (Correll et al., 2002). This unconscious bias perpetuates systemic inequalities and affects arrest rates, sentencing, and even the likelihood of receiving the death penalty (Unnever & Gabbidon, 2011). Consequently, racism sustains a cycle of marginalization where communities of color experience higher incarceration rates, longer sentences, and limited access to rehabilitative resources.

In our course, we examined how intersecting identities—such as race, class, gender, and sexuality—compound experiences of injustice. Intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw (1991), highlights how overlapping social categories create unique modes of discrimination and privilege. For example, Black women face both racial and gender biases that influence their treatment within the criminal justice system. Studies indicate that Black women are often stereotyped as 'crack mothers' or hypersexual, which affects their interactions with law enforcement and eligibility for social services (Hancock, 2016). This layered marginalization emphasizes that issues of race and racism cannot be understood in isolation but must be analyzed in conjunction with other social identities.

Understanding the dynamics of race and racism in criminology compels future professionals to approach justice with a critical eye towards structural inequalities. From my perspective as an aspiring criminologist, integrating this knowledge means advocating for reforms that address systemic bias. This could involve pushing for bias training within law enforcement, promoting community-based policing, or supporting policies aimed at reducing sentencing disparities. Recognizing the role of racism also involves respecting and amplifying voices from marginalized communities, ensuring their experiences inform reform efforts rather than perpetuate stereotypes.

As I prepare to enter the field of criminology, I recognize the importance of continuous education and self-awareness regarding racial biases. The course has demonstrated that meaningful change requires understanding the historical and social contexts that shape current injustices. By applying an intersectional lens, I aim to contribute to a justice system that is more equitable and responsive to the needs of diverse populations. Ultimately, addressing race and racism within criminology is not only a matter of academic inquiry but a moral imperative to promote fairness and dignity for all individuals affected by the criminal justice system.

References

• Bell, S. (2016). Race and Crime. Routledge.
• Correll, J., Park, B., Judd, C. M., & Wittenbrink, B. (2002). The Police Officer’s Dilemma: The Role of Race in High-Pressure Decision Making. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83(6), 1314–1329.
• Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241–1299.
• Glover, S. H., Wilson, D. N., & Mckoy, G. (2014). Racial Profiling in Traffic Stops: Exploring the Evidence. Justice Quarterly, 31(2), 170–198.
• Hancock, A. (2016). Intersectionality: An Intellectual Framework for Public Health. American Journal of Public Health, 106(5), 786–787.
• Unnever, J. D., & Gabbidon, Q. (2011). Race, Racism, and Crime: Perspectives Across Time. Routledge.