Policing Norms: Respectability and the Politics of Punishment in Black America

Abstract

This work considers the mechanisms that motivate Black Americans to punish members of their social group who confirm negative stereotypes or otherwise transgress dominant social norms. Using survey and experimental data, this project examines both identity-based, ego-centric motivations and instrumental motivations for in-group punishment among Black Americans. The findings not only advance our understanding of the role identity and threat play in minority group politics, but provides a useful framework to examine heterogeneity in opinion among members of other stigmatized groups.

Keywords: respectability, race, punishment, criminal justice, african-american, politics of respectability