One of the most neglected areas of study in criminological research has been the relationship of crime and minorities or minority groups within society. There are a number of reasons for this omission. The most common is the relatively low numbers involved to make such research practical. Other explanations include fears of discriminatory policies against such groups, a history already fraught with difficulties encountered by minorities, and disinterest by researchers who prefer to focus on the larger establishment and their role in criminal involvement by minorities.
Because minority is a term that is at once associated with a variety of groups and subgroups, it is necessary to clarify some terminology and definitions. The dictionary defines minority as (1) a number forming less than half the total and (2) a group differing in race, class, ethnic, or religious background from the majority of the population (John, 1967).
Any study that hopes to accurately explore the impact of crime on American minority groups must consider the associative significance of historical mistreatment of minorities and their criminality and victimization today. Sadly, the United States is largely what it is today at the cruel and unjust expense of its minorities. Yet all too often researchers and professionals fail to incorporate this perspective in addressing minorities and crime. It may well be that they prefer to erase the less than admirable aspects of our country's history from their consciousness. Perhaps now it is time to accept some responsibility for these faults and their consequences.
Position of the Poor Ones in the Criminal Justice System
Prisoners and former prisoners very often fall into the categories of homeless, substance abusers, the poor, people of color, and so on. These and other groups have essentially been “written off” by U.S. society. It is estimated that more than 1.5......
