NCJ Number
84134
Date Published
1982
Length
40 pages
Annotation
This review of research on urban disorders analyzes the U.S. ghetto riots of the 1960's, compares them with the 1981 British riots, and discusses the policy implications for Great Britain.
Abstract
A summary of major riots in Great Britain prior to World War II demonstrates that the recent disorders were not without historical precedents. An outline of similarities between the British and American riots notes that both were sparked by relatively minor incidents, followed the same timing patterns, and were based on similar perceived grievances involving police practices, housing, and unemployment. However, participants in the American disorders were almost entirely black whereas young people of all races were involved in Great Britain. The characteristics of the American riots are examined, as are various explanations for their occurrence. The evidence clearly shows that while material deprivation was involved at some level, theories which relate riots solely to this factor are inadequate. Also covered are short-term control and prevention tactics and the media's role. Studies suggest that media reporting in both countries was an important element in the spread of riots, but also show that suppressed or delayed news did not inhibit rioting. A discussion of the Kerner Commission's report and subsequent events in the United States concludes that rioting is a matter of political consciousness and only tenuously linked to relative deprivation. From this perspective, the paper proposes that rioting in Britain occurred because certain groups such as the West Indians lost faith in the government's capacity to consider their interests and help them achieve social status and material success. Implications of this theory for British policy regarding police practices and racial problems are explored. The paper includes 47 references. For related material, see NCJ 84133 and 84135.