The Solitary Criminologist

• Date: 01 April 2017
• Author: Vaughn J. Crichlow
• Published date: 01 April 2017
• DOI: 10.1177/2153368716687624
• Subject Matter: Articles

Article

The Solitary Criminologist:

Constructing a Narrative of

Black Identity and Alienation

in the Academy

Vaughn J. Crichlow

1

Abstract

This article uses a narrative approach to explore Black identity and alienation in the

academy. It discusses the dearth of Black criminologists and the potential conse-

quences of the underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in higher educa-

tion. The researcher uses critical race theory as a framework for understanding these

challenges. The difficulties of navigating a tenure-track career in criminology and

criminal justice while deconstructing the burden and responsibility of representing

“Blackness” in a predominantly White field are also discussed. Narrative can be a

useful approach for exploring racial identity, unearthing relevant challenges within the

field, and increasing knowledge on the experience of Black scholars. It can also foster

greater connectivity among minority faculty across institutions. It is recommended

that support groups be used to address the needs of underrepresented minorities,

build inclusive work cultures, alleviate feelings of alienation and the perceived

responsibility of representing one’s own race.

Keywords

race, ethnicity, racial identity, alienation, Black scholars, critical race theory

For while the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph

is never new, it always must be heard. There isn’t any other tale to tell, it’s the only light

we’ve got in all this darkness.

—James Baldwin

1

(Baldwin, 1965/1999, p. 33)

1

School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA

Corresponding Author:

Vaughn J. Crichlow, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida Atlantic University, 220 Social

Science Building, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.

Email: vcrichlow@fau.edu

Race and Justice

2017, Vol. 7(2) 179-195

ªThe Author(s) 2017

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DOI: 10.1177/2153368716687624

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The struggle for equal opportunity and respect in the academy is not merely a his-

torical relic. There is still a story to be told. Despite the contextual examples of

progress and achievement, People of color are still underrepresented in many aca-

demic fields (Gardere, 2015; Kolodner, 2015; Lopez, 1997).

Black males in particular, still face an uphill battle to gain access to educational and

professional opportunities (Naylor, Wyatt-Nichol, & Brown, 2015). Prior research

shows that Black students and scholars experience pervasive challenges, ranging from

outright discrimination to feelings of alienation and isolation which are exacerbated

by unsupportive and noninclusive environments (Naylor et al., 2015). Ongoing racial

disparities may foster adverse workplace cultures that can lead to discouragement and

frustration (Lopez, 1997). Some Black scholars also feel burdened by their perceived

roles as representatives of their own race, while navigating the demands and expec-

tations of the tenure track (Villalpando & Delgado Bernal, 2002).

While there is a growing body of literature on the plight of people of color in

academe, little is known about the experiences of Black criminologists. This article

seeks to contribute to the narrative of the Black experience in America. It explores

challenges experienced by Black faculty and students in criminology and criminal

justice (CCJ), within the broader context of issues that affect Black PhDs in academe.

It is suggested that the scarcity of Black scholars in tenure-track positions is part of a

larger problem in academe that is predicated on socioeconomic forces and the racial

arrangements in society. This problem can be broached through the lens of critical

race theory which is an important part of the discourse on minorities in higher edu-

cation. Moreover, this paper explores racial identity and alienation among Black

criminologists and uses a narrative approach to increase knowledge in these areas.

Narrative criminology challenges positivist social science and seeks to enhance etio-

logical inquiry (Frank, 2010; Maruna, 2001; Presser, 2009; Sandberg, 2010). It is an

emerging qualitative method in which stories are influential not only in presenting

reports on people’s lives but also in providing transcendent emotional energy to action

(Presser & Sandberg, 2014b). It is also a form of self-reflection, like autoethnography,

that explores shifting definitions of personal identity in the context of wider cultural,

political, and socialmeanings (Hamilton, Smith, & Worthington, 2008; Polletta, 2006).

Narrative criminology typically considers the role of narratives in producing

harmful action (Presser & Sandberg, 2014b). Alternatively, this article is concerned

with constructive action that can potentially build community. There is a need for

narrative to increase knowledge on the experience of “Blackness” or Black identity in

the academy and to foster greater connectivity and shared understanding among junior

scholars. This article therefore presents narratives based on the experiences of four

criminologists at different stages in their careers. It is suggested that the use of this

approach in CCJ can help to unearth relevant challenges within the field and build

community among criminologists. Several recommendations are presented regarding

increased institutional support and the creation of work groups. Many institutions still

need to foster a culture of inclusiveness. A renewed commitment to provide resources

and career support for untenured faculty is essential for tenure and promotion and

developing leaders and administrators who belong to underrepresented groups.

180 Race and Justice 7(2)