Racialized Anger and Support for Policing Reforms: A General Strain Theory Perspective

• In Event: Perceptions of Criminal Justice Policy and Practice

Abstract

Objectives. Drawing on general strain theory, studies of legitimate coping, and scholarship on racialized emotions, we extend the analysis of policing-related anger beyond specific police-civilian encounters. We argue that officer mistreatment of civilians, whether experienced personally or vicariously, constitutes a particularly potent type of strain that, theoretically, should foster generalized (or global) police-related anger and, in turn, legitimate coping in the form of increased support for policing reforms.

Methods. Using data from two national surveys conducted by YouGov (Survey 1: N = 1,150; Survey 2: N = 1,100), we investigate the relationships between respondent race/ethnicity, experienced mistreatment, two types of police-related anger, and support for policing reforms.

Results. Many Americans are angry about police-civilian relations. However, this anger is racialized. The type of anger felt depends on respondents’ race and past experiences with police mistreatment. Police-related anger strongly predicts support for policing reforms.

Conclusion. Consistent with general strain theory, experiences with police mistreatment are associated with increased anger and legitimate coping. Black Americans are angrier about police misbehavior because they experience it at higher rates than other racial/ethnic groups. Group differences in experienced mistreatment and anger help explain the racial gap in support for policing reform.

Authors

• Linda Balcarová Dietz, State University of New York, University at Albany

• Justin Pickett, SUNY Albany

• Amanda Graham, Texas State University

• Francis T. Cullen, University of Cincinnati