A Theory of African American Offending: A Test of Core Propositions

• In Event: Critical Perspectives on Race and Offending Relationships

Abstract

This research is the first to test core hypotheses of Unnever and Gabbidon’s (2011) Theory of African American Offending. A core assertion of Unnever and Gabbidon’s theory, which specifically and only focuses on blacks, is that their offending is associated with the degree to which they encounter racial injustices. This research focuses on two forms of racial injustice that are prominently highlighted by Unnever and Gabbidon (2011)—racial discrimination and racist stereotypes. The results reveal that blacks who experience racial discrimination and “buy into” the pejorative stereotype that they are violent are more likely to offend as they experience heightened states of low self-control, anger, and depression. The data also show that experiences with racial injustices increase the likelihood that blacks will become dependent on substances/alcohol. These findings were generated while including measures of alternative theoretical explanations, demographic characteristics, and whether blacks identify with other blacks. The theoretical importance of these findings is discussed.

Author

• James Unnever, University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee