Policing, Politics, and Power: Examining Black Mother’s Political Knowledge

• In Event: Violence, Trauma, and Urban Politics

Abstract

Within the child welfare system, ongoing encounters between Black mothers and child welfare authorities are known to be more negative and result in worse outcomes than encounters between White mothers and child welfare authors. As a result of these systemic injustices, Black mothers have faced an unequal exposure to the power dynamics within this agency. I hypothesize that sustained and recurrent encounters with child welfare authorities, particularly in instances where Black mothers navigate intersecting challenges of race and poverty, may contribute to the continuous generation of distrust toward the government, and subsequently shape political views of Black mothers. I explore this topic through interviews with Black mothers in Chicago, 20 of whom have been directly involved with DCFS and another 20 with indirect experience. The study reveals both distinct differences and notable similarities between the two groups. The findings carry crucial policy implications for the political engagement of Black mothers, while also providing insights into the functioning of the child welfare system. In summary, the research indicates that over-policing extends beyond municipal settings to encompass various areas of government regulations and social services.

Author

• Shanequewa Love