SOC 2000 Unit 6 Data Analysis
Data interpretation is an integral part of our daily lives, involving the extraction of meaning from collected, analyzed, and presented numerical data (Lynch, 2002).
Describe theoretical ideas of power about policy.
In policy analysis, it is crucial to understand theoretical ideas of power and their implications. By examining drug use and arrest rates based on race and ethnicity data, we can shed light on the disparities and consequences within the criminal justice system.
SOC 2000 Unit Data Analysis
Analyzing the data on drug use, mainly focusing on cocaine, crack, hallucinogens, heroin, and marijuana, reveals noteworthy patterns. The data on drug use by race and ethnicity shows that certain groups are more prominent in illegal drug use. Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders and individuals of mixed race appear to have higher rates of illicit drug use than other racial and ethnic groups.
Among the racial categories, Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders lead three out of five criminal drug categories (cocaine, crack, and heroin). Furthermore, individuals of mixed race rank second in three out of five legal drug categories (cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin). These findings suggest significant disparities in drug use based on race and ethnicity (List of Available, nd).
Describe differences in drug arrests based on race and ethnicity.
Examining drug arrest rates, we observe substantial differences based on race and ethnicity. In poor urban communities, these disparities have widened within the criminal justice system, particularly impacting the black community and young black males. During the 1990s, there was a sharp increase in drug arrests and increased use of incarceration as punishment for drug offenses.
SOC 2000 Unit Data Analysis
This had a disproportionately severe effect on minority youth. While juvenile drug arrests for white individuals aged 10 to 17 fell by 28 percent between 1980 and 1993, arrests for black individuals in the same age group increased by 231 percent. In 1980, black and white rates for juvenile drug arrests were similar, but by 1993, black rates were more than four times higher than white rates. Disturbingly, 46 percent of all juvenile drug arrests were of black youth (92:144).
The consequences of these disparities are evident in the rising number of young black men under correctional supervision. The data shows a sharp increase in the number of young black men between the ages of 20 and 29 under disciplinary control. In 1994, one in three young black men in this age group was under correctional supervision, compared to one in four in 1990.
In contrast, only 1 in 16 white men in the same age group faced the same level of control. These disparities persist, with 8.4 percent of black males aged 25 to 29 being in prison, compared to 2.5 percent of Hispanic males and 1.2 percent of white males (43:8). Moreover, approximately 10 percent of young black males in inner cities and smaller urban areas were incarcerated on any given day in 2004. A staggering 33 percent were projected to experience incarceration in their lifetime (58:269). SOC 2000 Unit 6 Data Analysis
The Connection between criminal justice policies and strategies and the racial and ethnic disparities in drug use and arrest rates.
These disparities can be attributed to the Connection between criminal justice policies and strategies and racial and ethnic differences in drug use and arrest rates. The criminal justice system tends to target low-income areas with a higher drug market, resulting in a higher percentage of minority individuals being incarcerated.
Once individuals have a felony record, their job opportunities become limited, pushing them into the illegal drug trade as a means of survival. This, in turn, perpetuates a cycle of incarceration within black communities. The severity of punishment in the criminal justice system often depends on the weight of the drugs involved, leading to more extended periods of imprisonment.
To address these issues, allocating resources and providing Guidance to assist low-income communities is crucial. Breaking the cycle of generational incarceration requires comprehensive support and opportunities for individuals to reintegrate into society.
SOC 2000 Unit Data Analysis
Instead of solely relying on taxpayer funds to support the care of incarcerated individuals, redirecting these resources towards programs that provide assistance and empower communities can make a significant impact. By focusing on education, job training, and rehabilitation programs, we can create avenues for individuals to rebuild their lives and prevent the continuation of drug-related activities.
In conclusion, understanding theoretical ideas of power in policy analysis is essential to identify and addressing disparities within the criminal justice system. Analyzing data on drug use and arrest rates based on race and ethnicity highlights significant inequalities, particularly affecting minority communities.
By recognizing the Connection between criminal justice policies, racial disparities, and drug-related offenses, we can work towards implementing strategies that provide support and opportunities for individuals in low-income communities. We can strive for a more equitable and just society through proactive measures and resource allocation. SOC 2000 Unit 6 Data Analysis
Reference:
AMERICAN SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION – asanet.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.asanet.org/sites/default/files/savvy/images/press/docs/pdf/ASARaceCrime.pdf
Advertisement. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.americanbar.org/publications/human_rights_magazine_home/human_rights_vol37_2010/ 6fall2010/justice_for_all_challenging_racial_disparities_criminal_justice_system.html
