Criminal Records, Positive Employment Credentials, and Race

IF 2.2 1区社会学 Q1 CRIMINOLOGY & PENOLOGY

Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Pub Date : 2020-05-01 DOI:10.1177/0022427819886111

Samuel E. DeWitt, M. Denver

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引用次数: 15

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the impact of positive credentials on perceptions of individuals with criminal records and whether the effects of credentials differ by the type of conviction or the criminal record holder’s race. Methods: We present fictional job applicant details to a nationwide survey of American adults (n = 5,822) using a factorial design. We manipulate whether the job applicant is Black or White and has a criminal record or not. Among those randomly assigned to have a criminal record, we also vary the type of felony (violent or drug), whether they report a positive credential, and the type of credential (if applicable). Results: Among those with criminal records, respondents viewed applicants with positive credentials more favorably than those without credentials. In fact, a supportive reference letter from a former employer mitigates most of the stigma from a criminal record. The results are consistent by applicant race as well as criminal record type, and our employer respondents react similarly to experimental conditions as compared to the overall sample. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the inclusion of positive credentials can help reduce criminal record stigma and aid in the normification process.

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犯罪记录、积极就业证书和种族

目的：评估积极证书对有犯罪记录的个人认知的影响，以及证书的影响是否因定罪类型或犯罪记录持有者的种族而异。方法：我们采用析因设计，向一项针对美国成年人（n=5822）的全国性调查提供虚构的求职者详细信息。我们操纵求职者是黑人还是白人，是否有犯罪记录。在那些被随机分配有犯罪记录的人中，我们还改变了重罪（暴力或毒品）的类型，他们是否报告了阳性证明，以及证明的类型（如果适用）。结果：在那些有犯罪记录的人中，受访者对具有积极资质的申请人的评价高于那些没有资质的申请人。事实上，前雇主的一封支持性推荐信减轻了犯罪记录带来的大部分耻辱。申请人种族和犯罪记录类型的结果是一致的，与整体样本相比，我们的雇主受访者对实验条件的反应相似。结论：我们的研究结果表明，纳入积极的证书有助于减少犯罪记录的污名化，并有助于规范化过程。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency CRIMINOLOGY & PENOLOGY-

CiteScore

5.50

自引率

6.20%

发文量

期刊介绍： For over 45 years, this international forum has advanced research in criminology and criminal justice. Through articles, research notes, and special issues, the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency continues to keep you up to date on contemporary issues and controversies within the criminal justice field. Research and Analysis: The Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency presents a wide range of research and analysis in the field of criminology. You’ll find research on the social, political and economic contexts of criminal justice, examining victims, offenders, police, courts and sanctions. Comprehensive Coverage: The science of criminal justice combines a wide range of academic disciplines and fields of practice. To advance the field of criminal justice the journal provides a forum that is informed by a variety of fields. Among the perspectives that you’ll find represented in the journal are: -biology/genetics- criminology- criminal justice/administration- courts- corrections- crime prevention- crime science- economics- geography- police studies- political science- psychology- sociology.