What do We Know About How Processes of Desistance Vary by Ethnicity?

Farrall, Stephen; Warr, Jason; Shaw, Abigail; Sharma, Kanupriya

Abstract

This paper reviews what is known about ethnic identity and the processes by which people cease offending. Whilst the past 30 years have seen dramatic growths in what is known about desistance, in many jurisdictions there is a paucity of research which examines this in terms of ethnicity or ethnic variations. We therefore review what is empirically known about ethnicity and desistance. Whilst this review draws from the global literature, our focus is on what this literature tells us about ethnicity and desistance from a British perspective. We find that the majority of these have been undertaken in the USA (although there are some European and Australasian studies). Few studies, however, have fully unpacked the role of racism (in terms of institutional processes or overt prejudice and hostility) and that there have been very few studies of the roles played by ethnicity in processes of desistance.

Citation

Farrall, S., Warr, J., Shaw, A., & Sharma, K. (in press). What do We Know About How Processes of Desistance Vary by Ethnicity?. Howard Journal of Crime and Justice,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 22, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jan 23, 2025
• Journal: Howard Journal of Crime and Justice
• Print ISSN: 2059-1098
• Electronic ISSN: 2059-1101
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: desistance; ethnicity; racialised groups; review
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/44425677