Training Outline Rubric and Racism Problem Analysis ✓ Solved

Section 1: Problem Analysis

Focal racism example. State and describe the focal example of racism that you have chosen to analyze. Your focal racism example must be a clear description of phenomenon that functions on a broader community, institutional, structural, or societal level. Your description should explain how/why your example is itself an important social problem or how it relates to an important social problem.

Context. What is one element of the larger U.S. American historical and/or socio-cultural context in which this problem is situated and has developed? In this section, your goal is to tell a very brief, introductory story about the evolution of the problem.

Systemic racism and mutual constitution. Analyze your focal racism example through the lens of systemic racism, with a focus on the psychology of individuals within systems and how they constitute one another. More specifically, identify and define 1 individual-level psychological phenomenon that is relevant to your focal racism example. Explain how this individual-level phenomenon can reinforce the broader level phenomenon and vice versa.

Section 2: Solution Analysis

Proposed solution. Propose a solution to the specific example of racism that you analyzed in Section 1. Describe your proposed solution, explaining the level at which it would be implemented, who or what entity would be implementing this solution, and the primary goal of the solution. Explain why/how this solution would be effective, identifying how your solution would ameliorate your specific example of racism and one other way it would do so.

Limitation. Identify and describe at least one potential limitation of your proposed solution.

Paper For Above Instructions

Racism remains a pervasive issue in contemporary society, impacting various levels from individual interactions to broader systemic structures. One such example of racism is the overrepresentation of Black Americans in the criminal justice system. This phenomenon exemplifies a social problem that reflects deeply rooted systemic racism and structural inequalities. Studies indicate that Black Americans are disproportionately incarcerated, a situation exacerbated by a history of discriminatory laws and policing practices (Alexander, 2012; Tonry, 2018). This disparity not only harms individuals but also deteriorates the quality of life in affected communities, contributing to long-term psychological and socio-economic instability.

To understand this issue more deeply, it is critical to examine its historical context. The origins of this overrepresentation can be traced back to various socio-cultural elements, such as the mass incarceration policies initiated in the late 20th century, often termed the "War on Drugs" (Mauer, 2006). These policies disproportionately targeted Black communities, resulting in systemic inequalities that persist today. This context explains why incarceration rates among Black Americans remain high and highlights the ongoing struggle against institutional racism.

Using systemic racism as a framework, we can analyze the psychological consequences of the overrepresentation of Black Americans in prisons. One key phenomenon is the Black-crime stereotypic association, where societal beliefs link Black individuals to criminality (Goff et al., 2014). This stereotype not only perpetuates discrimination within the criminal justice system but also adversely affects how Black individuals perceive themselves and are perceived by others. Psychological theories indicate that these negative impacts can influence behaviors and interactions, reinforcing the stereotype and sustaining the cycle of racism (Devine, 1989).

To address this critical issue, I propose a community-focused solution that centers on restorative justice practices. This solution would be implemented at the community level, engaging local leaders, law enforcement, and residents to restore trust and foster healing. The primary goal of this solution is to reduce recidivism by promoting rehabilitation over punishment, aiding individuals in reintegrating into society. Restorative practices have shown promise by emphasizing accountability and community support, potentially disrupting the cycle of systemic racism linked to the criminal justice system (Zehr, 2002).

The efficacy of restorative justice approaches lies in their ability to reframe the narrative surrounding crime and punishment. By focusing on healing, this solution can ameliorate issues related to Black incarceration by addressing the root causes of crime, including socio-economic disparities, and breaking down harmful stereotypes (Bazemore & Walgrave, 1999). Furthermore, restorative justice could also serve to improve community relations, facilitating dialogues that challenge racist beliefs and creating avenues for societal understanding.

However, potential limitations exist in this approach. One challenge is the resistance from traditional law enforcement systems, which may view restorative practices as undermining their authority. To improve this aspect, it would be crucial to involve law enforcement from the outset, emphasizing collaboration and shared goals in reducing crime rates. Addressing these limitations could ensure a more effective strategy for change that resonates with both community members and law enforcement.

In conclusion, through an analysis of systemic racism and the implications it has on the criminal justice system, we can identify significant opportunities for healing and change. The proposed solution of implementing restorative justice practices offers a promising pathway toward addressing racial inequalities in incarceration rates. By understanding both the historical context and psychological traits that reinforce systemic racism, we can foster a collective movement towards racial equity and justice.

References

• Alexander, M. (2012). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.
• Bazemore, G., & Walgrave, L. (1999). Restorative Justice: A Sourcebook. Clemson University Press.
• Devine, P. G. (1989). Stereotypes and Prejudice: Their Automatic and Controlled Components. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 56(1), 5.
• Goff, P. A., Jackson, M. C., & Di Leone, B. (2014). The Nature of Bias: The Role of Perceived Race in Police Interaction. Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, 11(4), 520-542.
• Mauer, M. (2006). Race to Incarcerate. New Press.
• Tonry, M. (2018). Sentencing Fragments: Penal Reform in America, 1975-2025. Oxford University Press.
• Zehr, H. (2002). The Little Book of Restorative Justice. Good Books.