A study published Monday, Jan. 6, in Crime and Delinquency states that nearly half of African-American males are arrested by the age of 23. The study also found that 40 percent of white males are arrested by age 23. The report was based on survey data from 1997-2008 and included minor crimes, even truancy, to violent crimes, but excluded traffic offenses.
“A problem is that many males – especially black males – are navigating the transition from youth to adulthood with the baggage and difficulties from contact with the criminal justice system,” the study’s lead author, University of South Carolina Criminology Professor Robert Brame, said in the release. “Experiencing formal contact with the criminal justice system could also have powerful effects on behavior and impose substantial constraints on opportunities for America’s youth.” he added.
The report has since gone viral, sparking strong media opinion from journalists. The Root posted a rebuttal to the study, arguing the validity of the conclusions. The author, Ivory A. Toldson, Ph.D, proposes that statistic creation based solely on historical information, withholding primary survey question details decreases the study’s validity. The “proven” stats seem to be calculated by mere chance and likelihood, or being guilty by association. The numbers are based on the pattern of the male peers more so than individual action.
The study used self-reported data on a group of 500 Black males, but reaches to account for the majority, argues Toldson. He also points out the lack of diversity of the research team that is trying to address complex issues.
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