Conflict Theory: Racial Threat Hypothesis

What is the primary concern of the racial threat hypothesis?

The racial threat hypothesis suggests that only majority racial groups can influence crime control policies.

What do whites feel threatened by according to the racial threat hypothesis?

As the minority group reaches a critical mass, they are able to contest targeted social __________.

What happens to the punitive severity of crime control as a minority group gains political and social power?

Match the following concepts with their corresponding descriptions:

The racial threat hypothesis has unanimous empirical support for its claims.

What type of resources do minority groups develop as their population grows, according to the racial threat hypothesis?

Conflict Theory: Racial Threat Hypothesis

Racial threat hypothesis (Blumer, 1958; Blalock, 1967)
Similar concept to "Social Threat" (Liska, 1992)
Relationship between presence of "threatening" social groups and crime control efforts (law-making, enforcement, administration of justice)
Perceptions of threat among public and agents of social control impact applications of punishment on minorities
Racial context of communities affects perceptions of threat.

Racial Threat Hypothesis: Minority Growth

As minority racial group populations increase relative to whites, minority groups gain power (economic, political, social)
Whites may experience feelings of insecurity, fear, and perceived risk, that their positions of power and privilege are jeopardized.
Whites may feel the need to protect their privileged positions by suppressing minority groups through social control mechanisms

Racial Threat Hypothesis: Critical Mass

When a minority group reaches a certain size (a "critical mass", not necessarily the majority), and has political/social power, they can contest targeted social controls.
Punitive measures may lessen or diminish as the minority group becomes more prominent.

Mixed Empirical Support and Findings

Higher percentage of minority population positively related to increased crime-control efforts (larger police force)
Increased white-on-black crime when black employment rates approach white levels
Higher likelihood of jail/prison sentences and longer sentences, and increase in severity of black death penalty sentences
Limits on voting rights for felons
Disparities in applying social control and punishment

Explore the Racial Threat Hypothesis as it relates to conflict theory. This quiz delves into how perceptions of racial groups influence crime control efforts and the social power dynamics at play. Understand the implications of minority growth on societal structures and the reactions of dominant groups.