Criminological Perspectives on Race and Crime by Gabbidon Shaun L

Author:Gabbidon, Shaun L. [Shaun L. Gabbidon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: ISBN: 9781317575894
Publisher: Taylor & Francis (CAM)

The last two techniques of neutralization include condemnation of the condemners and the appeal to the higher loyalties. With the former, the authors suggested that delinquents would justify their behavior by taking the attention off their behavior and focusing on the persons “condemning” them. In such a scenario, the youth will suggest that those who are the condemners are “hypocrites, deviants in disguise, or impelled by personal spite” (p. 668). The youths will also argue that persons in authority have it in for them; as such, they are likely to view such persons with cynicism. Illustrative of this are the following views that might prevail among the youth: “Police it may be said, are corrupt, stupid, and brutal. Teachers always show favoritism and parents always ‘take it out’ on their children” (p. 668). The last technique of neutralization is the “appeal to higher loyalties.” This justification rests on the belief that the deviant or delinquent behavior is acceptable because it represents activity that, though in violation of societal norms, serves some higher purpose. Such a higher purpose might involve not “squealing” on a friend or gang member.

In sum, these five techniques of neutralization provided key concepts that moved the social control perspective forward. In regard to its relevance for explaining racial differences in crime and justice, the authors did not directly test the perspective. However, it is obvious that some of the neutralizations could apply to all races. Moreover, it is clear the perspective has particular relevance for explaining certain types of crimes perpetrated against racial minorities. For example, considering the historical period when the perspective was written, the denial of victim neutralization could have easily been applied to hate crimes perpetrated against racial minorities during the civil rights era. Sadly, while nearly five decades have passed since the formulation of their perspective, this technique of neutralization likely remains applicable to such crimes today (Gerstenfeld 2010).

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