Multiculturalism, Social Justice, and the Community: Contemporary Readings

Multiculturalism, Social Justice, and the Community: Contemporary Readings provides students with an introduction to the flawed nature of definitions of race and ethnicity, and how these definitions contribute to disparate treatment, especially in the criminal justice system. The anthology examines majority group discrimination and bias and their impact on minority groups. It also provides policy recommendations designed to improve police-minority relationships.

Unit I introduces the concept of multiculturalism and features articles that explore why minority groups are disproportionately overrepresented in the justice system and why it's imperative for criminological theories to not only examine the social status of justice-involved minorities but also the ways in which they are targeted and treated by mainstream society. In Unit II, the readings examine social justice issues through the intersectional lenses of class, race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. In Unit III, students explore how communities have shifted, changed, and, in some cases, reinforced segregation because of income and class status. Each unit features an engaging introduction, summary, and student study questions.

Designed to address timely topics within our global society, Multiculturalism, Social Justice, and the Community is an excellent resource for courses and programs in social and criminal justice.

Heather Alaniz, Ph.D. is a visiting assistant professional professor of criminal justice and criminology at Sam Houston State University. She earned a Ph.D. in administration of justice from Texas Southern University.

Fei Luo, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of criminal justice at Texas A&M International University. She earned her Ph.D. in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University.

Kimberly D. Dodson, Ph.D. is an associate professor and the director of the criminology program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She earned a Ph.D. in criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.