Lesson Overview
This week, our attention will be centered on the profound influence of W.E.B. Du Bois in the realm of criminology. Although Du Bois is more widely recognized for his contributions to sociology, civil rights, and African American history, his insights into the field of criminology remain significant and oftentimes overlooked. A clear example of this is his seminal work, “The Philadelphia Negro.” In this detailed study, Du Bois delved into the socio-economic conditions faced by Black Philadelphians at the turn of the century. He made astute observations linking the migration of former slaves to urban environments, which they found foreign and challenging, as a potential catalyst for criminal activities. Additionally, he posited that the immediate aftermath of Emancipation, while a pivotal moment in Black history, also inadvertently led to increased crime due to the abrupt socio-political changes and the challenges of integration.
Of particular note is Du Bois’s commentary on the overrepresentation of Black individuals in criminal statistics. He didn’t just stop at highlighting the problem but ventured to examine the systemic and institutional biases at play. Yet, Du Bois wasn’t just about pointing out the issues. His writings consistently sought to propose solutions. He advocated for better education, improved socio-economic opportunities, and a fairer justice system. Through these proposals, Du Bois envisioned a society where crime, particularly among the Black population, would significantly diminish, not merely because of punitive measures, but because of systemic improvements that addressed root causes.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this week, you will be able to:
- Understanding of Du Bois’s Role in Criminology: Students will be able to identify and explain the significance of W.E.B. Du Bois’s contributions to the field of criminology, even though he is more commonly recognized for his roles in other domains.
- Contextual Knowledge: Students will recognize the socio-economic conditions of Black Philadelphians during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as presented in “The Philadelphia Negro.”
- Migration and Crime Analysis: Students will be able to discuss the correlation Du Bois made between the migration of former slaves to urban areas and the rise in criminal activities.
- Post-Emancipation Impact: Learners will understand Du Bois’s perspective on the unintended consequences of Emancipation, particularly its relation to increased criminality.
- Interpreting Crime Statistics: Students will develop an ability to critically assess the overrepresentation of Black individuals in criminal statistics, understanding the institutional and systemic biases contributing to such figures.
