Feminism and the academy

R.D. Klein and D.L. Steinberg (eds) Radical Voices. A Decade of Feminist Resistance from Women's Studies International Forum’ (Pergamon Press) Oxford, 1989. M. Paludi and G.A. Steuernagel (eds) Foundations for a Feminist Restructuring of the Academic Disciplines (Haworth Press), New York, 1990. L. Stanley (ed) Feminist Praxis. Research, Theory and Epistemology in Feminist Sociology (Routledge), London, 1990.     

Do introductory criminology textbooks cite the most influential criminologists? Estimating the “match” between what journals report and what textbooks discuss

Using recent citation analyses of criminology journals and textbooks to estimate the “match” between what journals report and what textbooks discuss. Twentythree criminology textbooks published from 1989 to 1993 were ranked by how prominently they cite the 25 most-cited scholars in recent leading criminology journals. I suggest some reasons why criminology textbook authors extensively cite and discuss some influential scholars but not others, and conclude by noting several limitations to using citation analysis to estimate the match between journals and textbooks.     

Age estimation from the rib by phase analysis: white females

Metamorphosis at the sternal extremity of the rib has already been established as a reliable indicator of age at death. Using a sample of white males, it was shown that an accurate estimation of age can be made by direct examination of the bone itself. However, because of sexual differences in hormonal production and dimorphism in the skeleton, the present study was carried out to develop an appropriate standard for age determination from the sternal rib in white females. The sample consisted of 86 ribs of known age, sex, and race. Observations were made at the costochondral junction with special attention to pit formation (its shape and depth), changes in the walls and rim surrounding it, and overall bone density and texture. Based on changes in these areas, the ribs were separated into nine phases (0 through 8). The most rapid metamorphosis occurred in Phases 1 through 4 (mean ages 14-28) with changes noticeable at 3 to 4 year intervals. After mean age 28, this process slowed, considerably expanding the interval between phases to 10 to 15 years. The female ribs showed both earlier initial pit formation and a different morphologic pattern of aging as compared with males. Statistical analysis revealed that the features chosen to delineate the phases are valid predictors of age. This study has shown that the sternal rib can provide an accurate estimation of age in females spanning a mean age of 14 to 76 years.     

Community reponse to crime: Two middle-class anti-crime patrols

This paper examines two middle-class citizen patrols in the light of previous studies of patrols in lower- and working-class communities situated in very large urban areas. Consistent with previous research, our data show that patrol participation is related to the belief that citizens should play a role in crime prevention, to a slightly lower fear of crime, and to general social involvement. Contrary to previous findings, length of residence, age, and victimization were not found to be related to patrol participation. Patrol participants were more likely to believe that citizens have some responsibility for crime prevention and to have engaged in more anti-crime activities than nonparticipants. Residents strongly rejected the vigilante analogy and appeared, instead, to define patrol participation as a manifestation of good citizenship.     

Self-reports of Police Speeding Stops by Race: Results from the North Carolina Reverse Record Check Survey

Survey reports of police stops and driving behavior are a potential methodology for examining the magnitude and prevalence of the “Driving While Black” phenomena. However, estimates of the magnitude or correlates of racial disparity in police stops from self-reported survey data are potentially compromised if the accuracy of self-reports of police stops and driving behavior differ by race. We report on the results of a reverse record check survey in which we directly assess the degree and consequences of differences by race in self-reports of police stops. In our sample of drivers who had been cited for speeding in the preceding year, we found that 77% of the White respondents and 71% of the African American respondents admitted to being stopped. While both groups underreport stops, African Americans do so at a higher rate. This finding is consistent with many past studies which report stronger social desirability effects on survey responses among African Americans. Thus, survey data will tend to underestimate the magnitude of the “Driving While Black” phenomena.

The desirability of goal conflict within the criminal justice system

A pervasive interest in the creation of a monolithic system for the administration of justice which is characterized by the lack of fragmentation and goal conflict is found throughout the criminal justice literature. This paper questions the basis and desirability of such a proposal. It is argued that criminal justice exists in a sociopolitical environment in which diverse groups exercise influence in accordance with their own interests. For this reason, it is highly unlikely that a single set of values could be identified upon which to base a monolithic system. It is further argued that goal conflict within criminal justice is desirable in that different interests can be reflected, there is a basis for system adaptation and change, and the system can better promote the smooth processing of offenders.     

HIV prevention services for adults with serious mental illness in public mental health care programs

Despite well-documented need, little is known about the HIV prevention services provided to adults with serious mental illness in the public mental health system. This study examined the types, frequency, and client-level correlates of HIV prevention services provided to a representative sample of clients in five public mental health care programs. Although results indicate that HIV prevention care is infrequent, clients identified as being at higher risk for HIV infection reported receiving prevention interventions more frequently. However, both the clients' gender and the service setting influenced the types and frequency of services that clients received.