Entering with Bias or Learning It? CJ Majors in the U.S. and South Korea

• In Event: Global and Comparative CJ Education and Reseach Dissemination

Abstract

Maintaining unbiased attitudes among criminal justice professionals is essential for fairness in law enforcement, judicial processes, and corrections. However, research suggests that CJ professionals and majors often hold higher prejudicial attitudes than those in other fields. Whether individuals with stronger biases self-select into CJ or whether education influences these attitudes over time remains unclear. This study examines prejudicial attitudes among CJ students in the United States and South Korea, comparing freshmen—who have not yet undergone CJ-specific education—to seniors—who are about to graduate. Using the Quick Discrimination Index (QDI), the study measures general prejudicial attitudes and explores cross-cultural differences. Key research questions include: (1) Do freshmen in both countries differ in prejudicial attitudes, and what demographic factors explain these differences? (2) Among seniors, do national differences persist, and how do their attitudes compare to freshmen? (3) To what extent do educational experiences influence seniors’ attitudes beyond demographics?
Given the cultural differences between South Korea and the U.S., this comparative analysis provides insight into how cultural and educational factors shape biases. Findings will inform CJ curriculum development, guiding strategies to foster more equitable perspectives among future criminal justice professionals.

Authors

• Gibbeum Hong, Sam Houston State University

• Sunhye Kang, Sam Houston State University

• Bitna Kim, Sam Houston State University

• Hyeonna Bak, Somang Correctional Institution