Haynie and Payne (as cited in Haggerty et al., 2013) also note that if exposure to negative peer influences is higher amongst Black youth, then the relationship between behavior of a violent nature and race could be mediated by negative peers. In an attempt to further examine racial disparity in violent offending, the authors in this case as I have already pointed out in the introductory section also seek to "examine race differences in mean levels and the impact of these risks and protective factors on self-reported behavior." This is particularly important especially given that in the past, crime statistics have indicated that race disparities in violent crime do exist. Indeed, according to Puzzanchera (as cited in Haggerty et al., 2013), "Black juveniles are five times more likely to be arrested for violent crime than are White juveniles." Studies that have been conducted in an attempt to explain this disparity largely point to economic variables.
It is important to note that the authors of this particular article further enhance its relevance by conducting an extensive review of past and present literature. In addition to providing an excellent background to the study, the said literature review also helps in the identification of gaps existing in current research in regard to the topic. The authors also clearly define the methods they make use of to generate data. The selection of participants in this case is also well reasoned. In the analysis section, the authors clearly demonstrate how they made use of the relevant data...
The article's conclusions (as highlighted in the section below) were also appropriate and largely consistent with the findings of the study.
Summary of the Article's Conclusions
When it comes to mean level race differences and their impact, the authors in this case found out that the exposure Blacks had to risk factors including but not limited to low parental education and insufficient income was much higher than that of their White counterparts. However, when it comes to race differences in violence amongst 10th graders, the authors came to the conclusion that the said differences were "not attributable to lower exposure to skilled parenting or higher exposure to deviant peers…" the authors however expect that after peers and parenting factors are taken into account, the disparity existing between Black and White youths as far as involvement in violence is concerned could be better explained by environmental race-based differences. This is particularly the case given that the neighborhoods in which most Black adolescents live are considered rather troublesome. In the final analysis, the relevance of this study cannot be overstated especially when it comes to its implications for prevention.
References
Lerner, J.V., Lerner, R.M. & Finkelstein, J. (2001). Adolescence in America: N-Z. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO.
Mendel, R.A. (2002). Less Hype, More Help: Reducing Juvenile Crime, What Works -- and What Doesn't. New York: DIANE Publishing.
