W.E.B. DuBois is a well-known figure in the field of sociology and civil rights activism, but his contributions to criminology are often overlooked. In your opinion, what we can learn from DuBois’ legacy in criminology, and how we can apply his insights to current issues in the criminal justice system?
Discussion Forum 8: The Significance of W.E.B DuBois in Criminology
W.E.B. Dubois is overlooked because his ideas were radical. Additionally, Du Bois’ Double Consciousness theory links the macrostructure of the racist world with the lived experiences of racialized subjects, placing racialization at the core of the investigation of self-formation. In my opinion, we can learn that DuBois’ legacy in criminology was amazing. He suggested that emancipation was another factor in the Philadelphia Negro article, which attributed the movement of former slaves to new cities as a contributing factor to crime. He emphasized how prisons serve as a breeding ground for educated criminals and wrote about the disproportionate representation of black people in criminal statistics. His writings also emphasized ways to stop crime. Although DuBois’ writings predated popular works by white male authors, criminal justice and criminology curricula hardly ever reference or cover them. Like other early African-American thinkers, DuBois is not yet well known in the criminology and criminal justice fields. We can apply his insights to current issues in the criminal justice system today to fight cultural diversity issues and everyone is equal. Racial profiling and unjust judicial bias are two instances of cultural diversity problems in the criminal justice system. When someone is singled out because of their race or ethnicity about a stereotype associated with that group, this is known as racial profiling.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Philadelphia_Negro
W.E.B. DuBois legacy was overlooked because the people in power like to turn a blind eye when discrimination and unfairness are at play. He understood that AA (African Americans) had a great disadvantage in this country when it came to job opportunities and equal rights. How come the integration of whites and AA still put AA at a lower tier? How come the criminal justice system handed out harsher penalties toward people of color, in particular? Why are AA more prone to crime due to systemic oppression? DuBois did studies on this back in the late 1800s but unfortunately, we still have some of these issues occurring today. I wouldn’t say the unfairness and discrimination have subsided completely, but we’re making progress. There are more opportunities and resources available to each of us to lead a wholesome life. Judicial penalties aren’t carelessly handed out as much due to more fair trials and diverse judges and juries. Opposed to the 20th century where the entire courtroom personnel was white and possibly racist. It was noted that DuBois “visited incarcerated African Americans to ensure their humane treatment”, which is a clear indication that receiving cruel sentences was only the beginning of how the criminal justice system would punish AA. The AA community having this knowledge doesn’t help with the morale of improving as citizens. It is the constant worry and frustration that, no good deeds will keep you from being a victim of unlawful tactics. The justice system has a reputation for treating all AA the same. Now group that ideology with poverty and rejected job opportunities, and you’ll have a group of people, regardless of race, that’ll go into survival mode. That includes burglaries, armed robbery, and petty theft, amongst other things. Also, you’ll get those that lose hope, fall into depression, drugs + alcohol, and that produces murderers and rapists. That is a rabbit hole within itself. Young AAs become career criminals at a young age, and most of them have the same background of single-parent households and broken families. Another rabbit hole, which is why when you see a successful AA, they might say they “broke the family curse”. That’s them acknowledging that they can improve their family’s legacy. But W.E.B. DuBois did great work.
Hi Courtney,
I agree with your point of view and you touch on important topics for Dubois. You acknowledge that while discrimination and unfairness have not disappeared entirely, there has been progress. Efforts to diversify the legal system, create more equitable opportunities, and address systemic issues have made a difference, even if there’s more work to be done. The writings and activity of W.E.B. Du Bois continue to provide motivation and wisdom for solving these concerns. In order to create a society that is more just and equitable, it is crucial to continue having the discourse and raising awareness about racial injustice. Although it is a difficult and continual process, recognizing the problems is the first step in solving them.
W.E.B Dubois was one of the first to have a scientific study of race, He was also concerned about the exclusion of black people. injustice in the courts. He was overlooked due to racial discrimination, he was oppressed but was fighting for African Americans Civil Rights.
W.E.B Dubois was hands-on when it came down to research, He surveyed people on the street to find the answer to his problem. His scientific study of race was one of the first studies but due to racism and bias, he was not awarded or recognized for his work. We can apply almost all of his ideas to today’s criminal justice system, Equality and fairness. Due to the lack of inequality back then and now, minorities get a worse sentence than white men. At that time African-Americans did not receive the fairness to trial which now violates our 6th amendment. He also stated that crimes are higher in poor communities due to less opportunity to find a job. Racism still exists in today’s society, although we are more protected due to the amendment. It’s important to recognize that we may encounter these conflicts in our Justice system. In my opinion, there has to be more connection between police and the neighborhood. Police view our community as threats and profile minorities as gang members. This leads to innocent people being locked up due to profiling and unfairness in the Justice System.
I agree that W.E.B. Dubois was the first ever to have a SCIENTIFIC STUDY of race and was concerned about the justice black people deserve. I like how you said that the police and the neighborhood have a connection as I did not think about it before with this question. It is very true that police profile minorities and stereotype. The justice system is unfair. Thank you for sharing this information.
– Du Bois was already well known as one of the foremost Black intellectuals of his time/ history/era. He was one brilliant writer and speaker, Du Bois was the outstanding African-American intellectual of his time but he was overlooked radical/different/unic-way of thinking overall all the legacy that DuBois left was amazing, inspiring, and incredible, his suggestions made slaves move forward.
– Du Bois’s theory of Double Consciousness puts racialization at the center of the analysis of self-formation, linking the macrostructure of the racialized world with the lived experiences of racialized subjects.
– Du Bois attacked Washington’s acceptance of racial segregation arguing that this only encouraged whites to deny African Americans the right to vote and to undermine black pride and progress!
– He also had a big role; in this role, he wielded an unequaled influence among middle-class Blacks and progressive whites as the propagandist for the Black protest.
Hey Veyla, I like how you brought up the theory of Double Consciousness, it shows you really are reading and paying attention and retaining the information.
W.E.B Dubois was one of the first and most known to have a scientific study of race, He was concerned about the oppression black people faced.There were many injustices in the courts. He was overlooked because the people in power ignored the discrimination that was occurring and did not care about fairness. Du Bois’ Double Consciousness theory links the macrostructure of the racist world with the lived experiences of racialized subjects. We see that his scientific study of race was one of the first studies but due to racism and bias, he was not awarded or recognized for his work. We can apply his work to now because we know that before black and whites were treated different in the judicial system. A black man could do the same crime as a white man but face a harsher and cruel punishment.
Dear Elijah, I agree that he was overlooked because everyone was ignorant and did not care about fairness or discrimination. I like how you said his double consciousness theory links the macrostructure of the racist world with the lived experiences of racialized subjects. Nice wording and vocabulary! I like how you showed an example of how whites and blacks are treated in the judicial system! Nice job. I would have to say I love how your writing is short and sweet and to the point with the important information in a nutshell.
Hello, Elijah you also pointed out how race and discrimination played a big role in Dubois’s overlooked work. I also stated that he was overlooked due to these reasons. Very similar to what I wrote.
Hey Elijah, I like your understanding on DuBois’ you brought a great point in how a black man can face a harsher punishment than a white man simply because of the skin color.
Hi Elijah, I just want to let you know that I like the way you explained it and it also make me think about time of segregation. Nice!
hey Elijah , I definitely agree with you, the people in power did not care about fairness and did nothing about the discrimination
W.E.B. Du Bois made significant contributions to criminology by highlighting the role of structural factors like poverty and racism in driving crime. He also raised awareness about racial disparities in the criminal justice system, emphasizing the need for data-driven analysis. His advocacy for education and economic opportunity as tools for crime prevention and his understanding of intersectionality have enduring relevance in addressing current issues within the criminal justice system
Hello Jamal, thanks for sharing the highlights of Debois’s accomplishments, He led the new generation to fight for their equality. I agree he was inspiring the communities to protest and stand for what was right.
Hi, Jamal
I like how you how you talked about the contribution to criminology W.E.B Du Bois has made. I believe the education and discoveries is what help shift the world today.
We can learn a lot from DuBois’ legacy in criminology, not only can we learn, we can also apply his insights onto current issues in the criminal justice system. DuBois’ had an early understanding about the racial disparities we have going on in the criminal justice system. DuBois’ also emphasized on how important it is to be aware of someones economic and social conditions. DuBois’ recognized how everyone had different experiences when it came to experiencing crime and justice. Black, white, rich poor, male, female, everyone has had a different experience. This interaction is important, because it can impact how we view crime and justice. DuBois’ also believed we should take an active role on criminal and social issues as a community. We can apply his insights onto current issues in the criminal justice system. We should critically examine racial disparities. We can do this with reforms in policing, and sentencing. We should continue to have a focus on the social and economic conditions of people. We have to take into account poverty, education, and access to to programs and opportunities. We should focus on how the majority have had different experiences to crime and justice, and almost cater to them. There is power in unity and collective action. We as a community can come together and have an active role in addressing economic and criminal issues.
Hi Antonio,
Recognizing the diverse experiences people have with crime and justice, irrespective of their race, economic status, or gender, underscores the need for a more individualized and just approach. Unity and collective action, as Du Bois advocated, can be a powerful force for positive change. I agree with you communities should actively engage in addressing economic and criminal issues, advocating for fair and equitable policies, and working together to build a more just society. Du Bois’s legacy provides a valuable framework for guiding us in these endeavors.
WEB Dubious understood the discrimination between African Americans and the criminal justice system. Dubious was a leading figure in criminology, and his contributions were monumental. WEB Dubious was interested in race & racism and how those experiences affect African Americans in the criminal justice system. our time studying criminology and learning about the criminal justice system, we understand that all types of people commit crimes. Different types of crimes are not unique to one particular group. Individuals from all need levels in life have the same opportunity to commit different crimes. Dubious legacy shined life that crime is connected to society as a whole. Dubious believed that crimes are related to social inequality and injustice. We have seen his theories play out in society today. The communities that are impacted by racial discrimination have high crimes. I agree with Dubious points on how to effect change in the criminal justice system for African Americans and other marginalized groups—social programs to help individuals lacking access to education and healthcare. It is crucial and Dubious to understand that you must provide everyone with the same access to citizens in society. Dubious work is relevant; through his theories, we can create a nondiscriminatory criminal justice system.
*W.E.B DuBois
I agree with you Khalid , through Dubois theories we would be able to create a nondiscriminatory criminal justice system.
The criminological legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois imparts valuable insights that continue to hold relevance in addressing contemporary issues within the criminal justice system. As an early pioneer in the field, Du Bois placed significant emphasis on comprehending the social and economic factors that contribute to crime. His work sheds light on the disparities in crime rates and the over-policing of marginalized communities, particularly among the African American populace. The present study can draw from his insights to advocate for criminal justice reform, placing emphasis on the dire need for the equitable and just treatment of all individuals, regardless of their social, economic, or ethnic background. Du Bois’ focus on the socioeconomic origins of crime necessitates the need to address systemic inequalities, invest in education and economic opportunities, and reconsider policing practices to minimize racial and social disparities within the criminal justice system. By embracing these principles, we can work towards a more just and inclusive criminal justice system that upholds the principles of equity and human dignity.
Agreed, he definitely fought hard against racism and although the world has not painted people I’d color paths clearly, we have it better than back then in a sense.
Hi everyone,
Du Bois was an activist in addition to being a scholar. His example shows us the need to actively promote social change using academic research. Mass incarceration and police brutality are two current problems in the criminal justice system that call for more than just academic study. They also call for advocacy and change action. Du Bois placed emphasis on how institutional injustices influence criminal behavior. His work emphasizes the need to concentrate on underlying causes of crime, such as a lack of access to high-quality education and employment prospects. This can help guide present efforts to alter the criminal justice system by promoting laws that address the underlying societal causes of crime. while being occasionally disregarded, W.E.B. Du Bois’ contributions to criminology provide important insights into comprehending the intricate connection between societal conditions and crime. His writings place a strong emphasis on the necessity of addressing the underlying causes of criminal conduct and approaching the criminal justice system from a more sympathetic and equitable standpoint. Applying Du Bois’ ideas can result in more just and efficient criminal justice regulations that address the root causes of crime and advance equity and fairness. Du Bois’ works frequently humanized and sympathetically treated criminals, acknowledging that many of them were products of their environments. By supporting rehabilitation, restorative justice, and policies that take into account the dignity and potential for redemption of people who are involved in the judicial system, this humanization viewpoint can be utilized in contemporary criminal justice.
Du Bois’s history in criminology shows us the importance of thinking about race and social inequality when studying crime and the criminal justice system. His work mainly focused on the unequal treatment of Black individuals in the criminal justice system, emphasizing that race played a central role in the patterns of crime and punishment we have seen in our history. His concept of the “double consciousness” can help us understand the complicated identity struggles minority groups face regarding criminal justice. Du Bois also encouraged scholars to research within communities to understand crime and its social implications better.
Today, we can apply Du Bois’s insights to address issues in the criminal justice system. We should continue to examine how racism affects policing, sentencing of people, and rehabilitation. Du Bois’s focus on empirical research and data analysis can guide future criminologists in uncovering disparities and fighting for meaningful reforms. Also, his call for sociologists to connect with communities directly can help those who face the real-world challenges minority communities face, promoting a more just criminal justice system.
AGREED!!! Dubois believed knowledge was our key and he fought hard to install that within us. Couldn’t of said it any better..
Web Dubois was overlooked based on the color of his skin not his knowledge! Discrimination is why he was over looked however he fought to make a difference and which he leave behind a legacy! Although hatred hasn’t ended nor has racism and discrimination, a lot has changed for the better! So in a sense men like DUBOIS won , the world isn’t what we want for people of color yet but we have progressed a lot.
Hi, Tatianna
I agree with you that W.EB Du Bois was discriminated based off the color of his skin but he kept fighting and he definitely left his legacy behind because the world isn’t the same.
W.E.B Du Bois is a historian and a civil rights activist that made significant contributions to criminology through his research and insights. His work emphasized the importance of understanding the social, economic, and historical context of crime and criminal justice, particularly within racial inequality and social injustice. Du Bois highlighted the link between racial inequality and crime, emphazing how systemic discrimination and socioeconomic disparities contribute to the overprestation of marginalized communities especially African American within the criminal justice.
We can learn a lot from W.E.B Dubois because he was a very educated man who did a lot of research and activism, I feel like he should be talked about more when it comes to African American activist/historians. He did social research to help figure out racism and how to deal with it, he realized that it could only be solved by doing something and fighting back against what was going on. he helped from two groups the naacp and the Niagara movement what those two groups did was achieving equality and justice for black people. Dubois joined the american communist party before going back to ghana.
W.E.B DuBois is very influential in the Criminology field. He did one of the first scientific studies on race and he showed a correlation between African Americans and the Justice system and how we would get treated unfairly. Also while he was overlooked because of his race , Dubois when on the street to take surveys and exploited the difference in equality that we face in the criminal justice system that we may still see today. Dubois showed that racial discrimination had a direct link with high crimes. We can apply Dubois insights into today’s criminal Justice system by creating a fair and equal justice system that doesn’t factor in bias or discrimination of one’s race or financial stability, but everyone treated equal as they come.
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