NCJ Number
198965
Journal
Homicide Studies Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2003 Pages: 3-35
Date Published
February 2003
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the structural determinants of African-American killings.
Abstract
This research examines the structural covariates of Black homicide rates to determine whether the effects of community characteristics vary across differing types of Black homicide. The relationships between neighborhood-level characteristics and disaggregated Black homicide rates are explored using data from the St. Louis Homicide Project and census data for the city of St. Louis (Missouri). Results show that the effects of community characteristics varied across differing types of Black homicide. Concentrated disadvantage and residential instability influenced some types of killings but not others. These findings add support to the recent extensions of social disorganization theory that argue that violence is frequently used to earn respect and esteem, build and maintain reputations, and express frustration. Neighborhoods with higher levels of residential instability have lower levels of gang killings. There is significant variation within Black homicides in terms of motive, victim and offender characteristics, victim-offender relationship, and type of death. The findings reinforce the necessity of disaggregating homicide rates to understand the race-violence relationship. Distinguishing between different types of homicide that have different correlates and causes is important not only for understanding African-American homicide but for shedding light on the complex relationship between race and violence. Future research should explore these issues in other cities and perform a national study of the neighborhood correlates of Black homicide rates. 3 tables, appendix, 5 notes, 49 references