TY - JOUR
T1 - Racism and classism in the youth justice system perspectives of youth and staff
AU - Holley, Lynn
AU - Van Vleet, Russell K.
N1 - Funding Information:
The authors thank the youth and staff for their willingness to candidly express their views; Halaevalu Ofahengaue Vakalahi for her leadership in conducting this study; two MSW students for assisting in conducting focus groups and interviews; and a subcommittee of the task force for offering feedback about preliminary interpretations of findings. Preparation and printing of this document was partially financed by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance, Grant Number 2000-JF-FX-0049. This paper is based on data from a study that was sponsored by a U.S. state-level task force committed to learning how to ensure that all people, regardless of race or ethnicity, are treated fairly in the justice system. With the gracious permission of task force leaders, the identity of the state and the task force will remain confidential in order to fully protect the identities of youth and staff. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors, who accept all responsibilities for any errors.
PY - 2006/4/28
Y1 - 2006/4/28
N2 - Although numerous quantitative studies have examined racial disparity in the youth justice system, studies have ignored the perspectives of youth about whether racism exists within the system. This study used focus groups with system staff and focus groups and individual interviews with system-involved youth of color to explore perceptions of race and class bias within one state's youth justice system. Findings indicate that the majority of both staff and youth perceive that race and class bias are present, and that staff demonstrated apparently unintentional racism and classism during the focus groups. Implications for research and for addressing individual and institutional racism and classism are offered.
AB - Although numerous quantitative studies have examined racial disparity in the youth justice system, studies have ignored the perspectives of youth about whether racism exists within the system. This study used focus groups with system staff and focus groups and individual interviews with system-involved youth of color to explore perceptions of race and class bias within one state's youth justice system. Findings indicate that the majority of both staff and youth perceive that race and class bias are present, and that staff demonstrated apparently unintentional racism and classism during the focus groups. Implications for research and for addressing individual and institutional racism and classism are offered.
KW - Disproportionate minority confinement
KW - Institutional classism
KW - Institutional racism
KW - Minority overrepresentation
KW - Racial bias in the juvenile justice system
KW - Racial profiling
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33746534244&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=33746534244&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1300/J134v10n01_03
DO - 10.1300/J134v10n01_03
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:33746534244
SN - 1087-5549
VL - 10
SP - 45
EP - 67
JO - Journal of Poverty
JF - Journal of Poverty
IS - 1
ER -