Description
Book SynopsisIn this unique study, authors Komanduri Murty, Angela Owens, and Ashwin Vyas examine the life histories of Black male prisoners in the U.S. Federal Prison system to determine what patterns of behavior or life experiences influenced or precipitated their involvement in criminal behavior. The authors focus on Black male prisoners, using pre-sentence investigation reports to provide readers with detailed descriptions of prisoner characteristics. Through the use of lengthy interview processes, Murty, Owens, and Vyas investigate the phenomenology of Black male offenders, to give understanding to the circumstances under which their crimes were committed. Their study provides valuable lessons for rehabilitation through deterrence and rational theories of human behavior.
Table of ContentsChapter 1 List of Tables Chapter 2 Foreword Chapter 3 Prologue Chapter 4 Preface Chapter 5 The American Black Male: Historical Concept; Black Perspective; Non-Black Perspective; Extreme Views; Complexity of Crime and Race; Profile of Black Male Offender in Federal Prison Chapter 6 Selective Explanations of Crime and Criminality: Theoretical Explanations: Classical Theories of Criminality; Biological Theories of Criminality; Psychological Theories of Criminality; Sociological Theories of Criminality; Empirical Explanatio Chapter 7 Frame of Reference and Methodology: Subcultural Influences; Methodology: Data Sources; The Setting; The Sample; A Brief Overview of the Federal Prison System; A Portrait of the Federal Prisoner; Mechanics of Inquiry; Conducting Research in Prison Chapter 8 Analysis and Conviction History, Socio-Demographics and Social Psychological Characteristics: Total Sample; Subgroup Analysis; Summary Chapter 9 Analysis of Personal Interviews: Repeat Drug Offenders and Mixed Multiple Offenders: Self-Concept and Identities; Life History Problems; Personal Relationship Problems; Life-Style; Patterns of Deviance and Attitudes; Reaction to the Criminal Just Chapter 10 Summary, Conclusions and Implications Chapter 11 References Chapter 12 Index
