Gratuitous Angst in White America: A Theory of Whiteness and Crime

Gratuitous Angst in White America presents a new criminological theory that explains the racialized experiences of white people, flipping traditional perspectives and examining the impact of whiteness on likelihood of engaging in deviant, criminal, and/or violent behaviors. The book offers a socio-historical understanding of current racial divides and provides a theoretical framework for explaining disparities. It appeals to a wide range of disciplines and is a call to action for addressing racial inequalities in the criminal legal system.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Gratuitous Angst in White America presents a novel criminological theory that delves into the racialized experiences of white individuals. Unlike traditional perspectives that perceive whiteness as the norm or as progressive traditions that prioritize the experiences of marginalized and oppressed groups, the theory of whiteness and crime challenges these assumptions by shifting the lens to focus on the lived experiences of white people and the ideologies of whiteness. This groundbreaking theory addresses two fundamental questions: How does being white influence an individual's likelihood of engaging in deviant, criminal, or violent behaviors? And why are white people treated differently than other racial and ethnic groups by the criminal legal system? By applying a critical whiteness perspective to criminology, the theory of whiteness and crime emerges as an intersectional and comprehensive framework that elucidates within- and between-group differences in negative behaviors and entanglements with the criminal legal system.

This book serves as a comprehensive examination of the racialized history of America, providing a contextual framework for understanding the current racial strife in society. It aims to offer a more nuanced theoretical approach to explaining disparities, shedding light on the deep-rooted causes of these divides and exploring potential pathways for their dismantling. Through its engaging narrative, the reader gains a socio-historical understanding of the profound depths of the current divides, while also gaining insights into how these divisions are perpetuated and potentially overcome.

Students of criminology and related disciplines will find this book invaluable as it facilitates the exploration of connections between various theoretical traditions and their application to contemporary social conditions. The book offers a rich resource for students to engage with critical thinking, develop analytical skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between race, crime, and society.

For researchers, this book presents a new theoretical foundation and propositions that can serve as a solid basis for empirical work aimed at filling extensive gaps in the criminological literature. By grounding their research in the theory of whiteness and crime, scholars can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field and make meaningful contributions to policy and practice.

Moreover, policy makers will gain valuable insights from this book as it highlights the oversights in understanding the historical significance of racial disparities and disadvantages. By recognizing the interconnectedness of past and present events, policymakers can develop more effective strategies to address these issues and create a more equitable and inclusive society.

In conclusion, Gratuitous Angst in White America offers a groundbreaking perspective on the experiences of white people and their relationship with crime. By challenging traditional notions of whiteness and embracing a critical whiteness approach, this theory provides a valuable framework for understanding and addressing racial disparities in society. Through its comprehensive examination of history, theory, and practice, this book offers insights that can benefit students, researchers, policymakers, and all those interested in promoting social justice and equity.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367763992