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 focusing on their lived experiences and ideologies. It answers questions about the impact of whiteness on criminal behavior and the treatment of white people by the criminal legal system. The book examines the racialized history of America to contextualize current racial strife and provide a nuanced theoretical approach to explaining disparities. It appeals to a wide range of disciplines and is a call to action for addressing racial inequalities in the criminal justice system.

Format: Hardback
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 and insights into the mechanisms that perpetuate and sustain them. Students will discover the interconnectedness between various theoretical traditions and their application to contemporary social conditions, fostering a deeper comprehension of the field. Researchers will acquire a new theoretical foundation and propositions to guide empirical work, addressing significant gaps in the criminological literature. Moreover, policy makers will gain valuable insights into how oversights in understanding the historical significance of disparities perpetuate and exacerbate inequalities and disadvantages, ultimately shaping policies that promote fairness and equality.

In conclusion, Gratuitous Angst in White America presents a groundbreaking criminological theory that challenges traditional perspectives and provides a deeper understanding of the racialized experiences of white individuals. By exploring the intersectionality of whiteness and crime, this book offers a comprehensive framework for addressing disparities, promoting fairness, and fostering equality in society.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367766436