Definitions of social deviance, criminality, and delinquency are considered. Theories relevant to explaining criminality among blacks are summarized, with emphasis on subcultural theory, contracultural theory, and social control theory. An analysis of research methods and data sources considers official statistics and their limitations, victimization surveys, self-reports of crime, and field studies. Problems involved in the interpretation of results are also noted. Involvement of black social scientists in future research efforts is urged. Issues recommended for study include the role of multiple factors in deviance and violence among blacks, the effects of discrimination in stages of the criminal justice system, differences in social deviance among black populations in different geographic locations, crime and delinquency among black females, deviance among black youth, and blacks who are not deviant. 91 references.