Xavier Perez

Background

About Xavier Perez

My research interests address two broad areas of study: Criminology and Latino(a) crime. Specifically, what distinguishes Latinos(as) from other ethnic/racial groups in America? In general, Latinos(as) are characterized as violent immigrants, gang members, and drug lords. However, there is little criminological/sociological research to either confirm or challenge such conclusions. In addition, the dominant discourse amalgamates the complexity of Latinidad. Indeed, Latino(a) crime demonstrates considerable variation across the different number of Latino(a) groups in the United States. The status of Latinos(as) as immigrants, political refugees, or naturalized citizens significantly influences crime in Latino(a) communities. Second, I am interested in researching generational trends of crime within immigrant communities. Historically, first and second generation groups display higher rates of crime in comparison to newly arrived immigrants. My research investigates for similar patterns within the Latino/a community. In accordance with the interdisciplinary nature of Criminology, my teaching interests intersect the disciplines of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Latino/Latina Studies. I have taught courses such as Social Problems; Introduction to Criminal Justice; Race, Class, Gender, and the Law; Foundations of Criminal Justice; and developed a course on Latinos(as) and the Criminal Justice System. Additionally, I also taught online criminal justice courses with Kaplan University’s Department of Criminal Justice. Pedagogically, my teaching approach utilizes technology-based activities, in-depth discussions, and critical thinking assignments. I have received exceptional evaluations from both students and peers alike. As such, I take teaching very seriously and enter the classroom with the goal of changing the world, one lecture at a time. Specialties: Race, Cass, Gender, and the law