Black-on-Black Homicides - Overview and Recommendations (From Criminal Justice System and Blacks, P 61-74, 1984, Daniel Georges-Abeyie, ed. See NCJ-98968)

• NCJ Number: 98973
• Author(s): H Rose
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Clark Boardman Company, Ltd
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Environmental, cultural, and socialization factors affecting patterns of black-on-black homicides are discussed within the context of two pilot studies in northern and southern cities; strategies for reducing the risk of homicide victimization are outlined.

Abstract

Differences between subcultural and southern cultural violence among blacks may be viewed in terms of instrumental versus expressive motivations. For blacks socialized in an originally agrarian culture, where preserving valued positions or relationships is a prominent value, violence leading to death is more likely to be expressive. For urban blacks, particularly in the North, the value placed on material resources, coupled with a lack of opportunity to obtain resources through legitimate channels, contributes to a violent subculture where instrumental homicides predominate. While two pilot studies failed to permit a direct assessment of the contribution of the microenvironment to status and threat of victimization, they did provide some deductive support for a relationship between the instrumental/expressive homicide mix and life-cycle stage, economic marginality, regional socialization patterns, and ability to penetrate the legitimate economy. Homicide is a complex phenomenon not amenable to easy solution. Strategies for reducing the risk of homicide victimization will have to focus on the opportunity structure and more effective programs to enable a larger share of persons to escape the necessity of choosing lifestyles that are risk promoting. Educational innovations are needed, not only to educate, but to promote a sense of self-worth. Moreover, means are needed to promote alternative, risk-abating lifestyles and to channel energy toward survival into legitimate outlets. Such strategies would forge local institutional structures that enhance chances of survival in urban America. Interventions also are needed which address factors contributing to expressive homicides. These include drug and alcohol education/treatment programs and family crisis intervention services. Included are 12 references.