Dr. Dungy's Research Overview
Dr. Dungy’s areas of expertise center on public response to police use of force, youth violence, and concentrated neighborhood disadvantage, with a special focus on the experiences of minority youth and the impact of race, class, and gender on criminal justice practices. Her research also focuses on corrections, prisoner reentry and the understanding of recidivism and why and how people with a criminal record manage to stop committing crime.
Her mixed-methods qualitative and quantitative research predicts recidivism and desistance outcomes and also explores perceptions of people who offend regarding how they manage reentry and integration back into the community. Her scholarship is centered on improving the reentry outcomes of individuals with a felony record and/or has been formerly incarcerated. Her goal is to produce research that is theoretically informed, empirically rich, and informs criminal justice policy and crime control practices.
Areas of Expertise
Women in Prison
Dr. Dungy explores the unique challenges faced by women in prison, including the social, psychological, and systemic factors that influence their incarceration and rehabilitation. Her research aims to address the specific needs of incarcerated women, focusing on improving correctional practices and policies that support their reintegration into society.
Prisoner Reentry
Specializing in prisoner reentry, Dr. Dungy examines the barriers individuals face as they transition from incarceration back into the community. Her work investigates the social and economic challenges of reentry, aiming to identify strategies that promote successful reintegration and reduce recidivism rates.
Race, Gender, and Crime
Dr. Dungy’s research delves into how race, gender, and crime intersect within the criminal justice system. She explores the disparities and biases that arise at the crossroads of race and gender, providing insights into how these factors shape experiences within law enforcement, sentencing, and correctional institutions.
Protesters' Response to Police Violence
Focusing on public reactions to police use of force, particularly in protest situations, Dr. Dungy analyzes how communities, especially marginalized groups, respond to police violence. Her research highlights the dynamics between law enforcement and the public, contributing to a deeper understanding of protest movements and societal reactions to state-sponsored violence.
Qualitative Methodology
Dr. Dungy is an expert in qualitative research methods, using in-depth interviews, participant observation, and case studies to gather rich, detailed data. Her qualitative work provides a nuanced understanding of complex social issues, particularly in the areas of criminal justice and social inequality.