The Specter of Authoritarianism among Criminal Justice Majors at Outreach Centers: Do University Outreach Efforts Breed Right-Wing Authoritarianism?

Abstract

While research has examined criminal justice students in traditional university settings, a predominately Black college, and a military college, no one has looked at CJ students in outreach centers. These centers allow students to pursue a four-year degree without leaving their community. Students are exposed to limited diversity because of this setting. Previous studies found that lower division male freshman CJ students were of a higher Right-Wing Authoritarian (RWA) mindset. Based on our study, we conclude that having a CJ program at an outreach center produces a broader finding. A young male CJ student at an outreach center is more prone to RWA attitudes – similar to the mindset of a military college CJ major. However, a young male CJ major does not necessarily mean lower division. We found older students tend to have lower RWA attitudes and in this setting, it is common to have older lower division students.

Keywords:

• Authoritarianism
• extremism
• higher education
• outreach
• HBCU
• military
• criminal justice
• psychology

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest for either author.

Funding Details

No outside funding was used in this study.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cindy A. Boyles

Dr. Cindy Boyles is an associate professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences Criminal Justice program at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Her research focuses on right-wing authoritarianism, student engagement, racial violence, and social justice. She is dedicated to educating the criminal justice students who will reform the justice system to ensure justice for all.

Kyle B. Dempsey

Dr. Kyle Dempsey is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Tennessee at Martin. His research focuses on applying game components to the learning environment and improving the quality of education provided through university outreach efforts. He is dedicated to helping students in rural areas gain access to a quality education including graduate study goals.