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Explaining the Black Homicide Rate

NCJ Number
123727
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1990) Pages: 151-163
Author(s)
D F Hawkins
Date Published
1990
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the literature of the past 50 years concerning the etiology of homicide among American blacks. While theory-oriented discussions were common in the early part of this century, recent research has consisted primarily of quantitative assessments of rate differences, with few explicit explanations for the black-white homicide differential.
Abstract
Black-white comparisons are implicitly etiological, presupposing various ways in which race influences group behavior: blacks are more disadvantaged than whites; race has been a significant causal factor in the distribution of advantages; most black deficits are attributable to social causes; and genetic differences may explain those differences not attributable to social causes. However, recent research into black-white homicide differences has shifted toward an emphasis on internal as exposed to external factors, discrediting the traditional focus on slavery and racial oppression as causes of the differential. The two major internal factors focus on the self-perpetuating subculture of violence and a genetic predisposition toward violence. The author maintains that future research must rethink the theory embedded in black-white comparisons and account for economic inequality in interpreting racial difference. 2 notes, 40 references. (Author abstract modified)