Theories in Research 467

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Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion *

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Sociology

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 Theories in Research DaWonda L Mack Indiana Wesleyan University CRJ-467-01B: Research Meth & Analysis CRJ Dr. Raymond K. Edwards February 19, 2024
2 Theories in Research Understanding historical theories related to racial bias in the criminal justice system is crucial for addressing systemic inequalities and promoting justice and equity. Two prominent theories, systemic racism, and implicit bias, shed light on different aspects of how racial biases operate within societal structures and individual perceptions. This discussion will delve into each theory, examining its definitions, historical contexts, empirical evidence, and implications for addressing racial bias in the criminal justice system. Systemic Racism Theory: The article "Systemic And Structural Racism: Definitions, Examples, Health Damages, And Approaches To Dismantling" by Paula A. Braveman et al., published in February 2022, delves into the pervasive and deeply ingrained nature of systemic and structural racism in various societal systems and institutions. Systemic racism theory posits that racism is deeply embedded within societal systems, laws, policies, and practices, perpetuating widespread unfair treatment and oppression of people of color. One key concept within this theory is that racial disparities are structural rather than solely individual or attitudinal. For example, historical practices such as redlining, which systematically denied housing loans to Black communities, have had enduring effects on wealth accumulation and neighborhood segregation. Even after explicit discriminatory measures are abolished, systemic racism continues to operate through subtle mechanisms, such as biased policing and sentencing practices in the criminal justice system. The disproportionate incarceration rates of people of color, particularly Black and Indigenous individuals, illustrate how systemic racism permeates the criminal justice system, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage and marginalization.
3 Furthermore, systemic racism theory highlights the interconnectedness of various societal sectors and systems in perpetuating racial inequalities. For instance, disparities in access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities intersect with the criminal justice system, exacerbating racial disparities in incarceration rates and outcomes. Addressing systemic racism requires comprehensive strategies that target not only the criminal justice system but also other intersecting systems, such as housing, education, and healthcare. This multifaceted approach acknowledges the complex web of factors contributing to racial disparities and emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts across different sectors and levels of society. It explains how systemic and structural racism is not always explicit or conscious but is embedded in laws, policies, practices, and beliefs that perpetuate unfair treatment and oppression of people of color. The article provides numerous examples, including residential segregation, biased policing and sentencing in the criminal justice system, and environmental injustice, illustrating how these forms of racism lead to adverse health outcomes for marginalized communities. Moreover, it suggests approaches to dismantling systemic and structural racism, emphasizing the need for mutually reinforcing actions across multiple sectors and acknowledging the crucial first step of recognizing their existence, Braveman, P., Arkin, E., Proctor, D., Kauh, T., & Holm, N. (2022, February) . Implicit Bias Theory: In contrast to systemic racism theory, implicit bias theory focuses on the subconscious attitudes and stereotypes that influence individual behavior, often without conscious awareness. Implicit biases are automatic associations formed through repeated exposure to societal messages and representations, leading individuals to unintentionally discriminate against certain groups, including racial minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The Stanford Encyclopedia of
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4 Philosophy entry on "Implicit Bias" explores how psychological research on implicit bias reveals that individuals can act based on prejudice and stereotypes without intending to do so. The entry traces the history of implicit bias research, highlighting two distinct streams: one focusing on automaticity and the other on consciousness. It discusses implicit measures used to indirectly assess thoughts, feelings, and behavior without relying on self-reporting. It outlines different senses in which the term "implicit" is used in the literature. The entry also touches upon metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical questions raised by research on implicit bias, including issues related to moral responsibility and interventions to address implicit biases. Finally, it presents critical responses to implicit bias research and suggests areas for future research in Implicit Bias . (2015, February 26). Research on implicit bias has utilized various measures, such as the Implicit Association Test (IAT), to uncover implicit biases across different domains, including race, gender, and sexuality. Moreover, implicit bias theory highlights the malleability of implicit biases and the potential for interventions to mitigate their impact. Strategies such as diversity training, counter-stereotypic exposure, and stereotype replacement have shown promise in reducing implicit biases and promoting more equitable decision-making. However, the effectiveness of these interventions may vary depending on factors such as the context of implementation and individual differences in susceptibility to bias modification techniques. Both systemic racism theory and implicit bias theory offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying racial bias in the criminal justice system. Systemic racism theory emphasizes the structural nature of racial inequalities, highlighting how historical injustices and entrenched systems perpetuate disparities across multiple sectors, including the criminal justice system. Implicit bias theory, on the other hand, focuses on the role of subconscious attitudes and
5 stereotypes in shaping individual behavior, shedding light on the cognitive processes that contribute to racial bias in decision-making. While systemic racism theory emphasizes the need for systemic interventions targeting institutional and structural inequalities, implicit bias theory underscores the importance of addressing individual-level biases and perceptions. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these two theories is essential for developing comprehensive strategies to combat racial bias in the criminal justice system. Efforts to dismantle systemic inequalities must address both the institutional factors perpetuating racial disparities and the implicit biases influencing individual decision-making processes within the criminal justice system. Historical theories such as systemic racism and implicit bias provide valuable frameworks for understanding and addressing racial bias in the criminal justice system. Systemic racism theory highlights the structural nature of racial inequalities, emphasizing the role of institutional and systemic factors in perpetuating disparities. Implicit bias theory, on the other hand, focuses on individual-level biases and subconscious attitudes that influence decision- making processes. By integrating insights from both theories, policymakers, practitioners, and advocates can develop more comprehensive and practical strategies to promote racial equity and justice within the criminal justice system.
6 References Braveman, P., Arkin, E., Proctor, D., Kauh, T., & Holm, N. (2022, February). Systemic And Structural Racism: Definitions, Examples, Health Damages, And Approaches To Dismantling . HEALTH AFFAIRS. http://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2021.01394 Implicit Bias . (2015, February 26). Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/implicit-bias/
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