Differential forms of probation work and the young black offender : an ethnographic examination.

This thesis seeks to examine the contention that probation officers' racist attitudes may have a differential affect on the type of service offered to black offenders with whom they come into contact. The previous research in this area is described, and examined critically, with particular attention being directed towards the methodological orientations of the previous studies. A qualitative methodology is described and justified in relation to this research. It is argued that an ethnographic approach has important advantages when attempting to understand the nature of probation officer offender relations. Explanations given by probation officers to account for black and white offending are examined comparatively. The most frequently occurring forms of explanations are analysed qualitatively. Social work practice is considered in relation to recommendations made in social enquiry reports. Differences between assessment, the day to day work undertaken, and evaluation of practice are examined in relation to black and white offenders. The findings are then considered in the light of a number of theoretical frameworks, drawing on literature within the sociology of culture, subculture, race relations, and socio-linguistics. Concepts relating to the differential treatment of developed in the context black offenders by white of the research findings. The thesis ends with a consideration of the implications of the findings for future developments in probation practice