The Duality of Stigmatization: An Examination of Differences in Collateral Consequences for Black and White Sex Offenders

Abstract

Isolating particular groups of individuals is nothing novel within American society, and two prevalent examples of this are the historical and current treatment of Blacks and sex offenders. To date, few studies have examined how race is related to sex offenders’ experiences, never mind how race compounds the effects of social stigmatization for registered sex offenders (RSOs). Using a statewide sample of RSOs (n = 306), the primary goal of this study is to examine how race is related to sex offenders’ experiences and perceived stigma are impacted by sex offender policies. Findings showed significant differences in the experiences and perceptions of Black and White sex offenders. Specifically, Blacks reported fewer experiences of collateral consequences, and overall a lower degree of perceived stigma. Implications are discussed.

Keywords:

• Sex offenders
• race
• reentry
• stigmatization

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 References of race vary (“Black” or “African American”) depending on descriptions used in the cited study being discussed.

2 State.sor.dps.ms.gov

3 For purposes of the current study, only those who identified their race as Black or White were included in the study, resulting in a sample of 306.

4 Differences in time on registry and offender tier could not be analyzed due to 60% of participants stating that they did not know the answer to these questions.

5 As stated in the methodology, within both the OLS and negative binomial regression models, living area was dichotomized (1 = rural, 0 = other [than rural]).

6 Quotes by respondents are labeled as “B:” for Black offenders and “W:” for White offenders.

7 For purposes of readability, misspelled words are correctly spelled in brackets. Minor grammar mistakes that do not affect readability were not noted or corrected.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Vanessa Woodward Griffin

Vanessa Woodward Griffin is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminology at the University of West Georgia. Her research interests include campus crime and racial differences in offending and victimization.

Mary Evans

Mary Evans is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at The University of Northern Colorado. Her current research focuses primarily on criminal and juvenile justice policy, sex offender legislation and re-entry, and the intersection between adolescent health and delinquency.