NCJ Number
228053
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 37 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2009 Pages: 353-359
Date Published
August 2009
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Using data from a national Gallup poll, this study examined several hypotheses related to citizens' perceptions of the prevalence of consumer racial profiling (store employees targeting shoppers for discriminatory treatment based on their race or ethnicity) in America's retail stores, as well as citizens' support for this practice.
Abstract
One hypothesis tested was whether Blacks and Hispanics surveyed were more likely than Whites to believe that consumer racial profiling (CRP) was widespread. This hypothesis was partially supported, in that Blacks were more likely than Hispanics and Whites to believe that the practice was widespread. The second hypothesis postulated that urban residents would be more likely than suburban residents to believe CRP was widespread. This hypothesis was not supported; those who perceived that CRP was widespread did not vary by location. The third hypothesis posited that Blacks and Hispanics would be less likely than Whites to view the practice of CRP as being justified. This hypothesis was partially supported; race/ethnicity did matter, in that Blacks were significantly less likely than Hispanic and White respondents to view CRP as being justified. Two additional findings are also noteworthy. First, citizens with conservative political leanings (Republicans) were more likely than those with liberal political leanings (Democrats) to believe that if profiling is used by the police in any context, it is probably justified. The second finding was that as one's level of education increased, respondents were less likely to support CRP. 3 tables, 2 notes, and 41 references