Sociological Analysis of Crime

Sociological vs. Legal Definitions of crime Legal categories Legal categories –Felony –Misdemeanor Property crimes, Violent crimes, drug- related crimes Property crimes, Violent crimes, drug- related crimes Sociology categories Sociology categories –Based on how the crimes are committed and how society views the offenses

Sociological Categories of Crime Professional Crime Professional Crime Organized Crime Organized Crime White-Collar Crime White-Collar Crime Victimless Crime Victimless Crime

Sociological Categories of Crime Professional crime Professional crime –Burglary, high-jacking cargo, pick-pocket –People make a living from criminal activity

Sociological Categories of Crime Organized crime Organized crime –The work of a group of people –Relations between various criminal activity is regulated by the group  Drug sales, prostitution, gambling, extortion, racketeering, etc…

Sociological Categories of Crime White-collar and technology based crime White-collar and technology based crime –Examples: Income tax evasion, fraud, bribery, embezzlement, etc… –Illegal acts committed in the course of business activities –More likely to receive fines than prison –More likely to be committed by people with higher “status” in society

Sociological Categories of Crime Victimless crime Victimless crime –Willing exchange among adults of widely desired, but illegal, goods and services  Gambling, prostitution, excessive drinking, illegal drugs –Often has indirect victims –Movement to decriminalize

Criminal deviance and social control What mechanisms does society use to control criminal deviance? What mechanisms does society use to control criminal deviance?

What are the goals of imprisonment? 1. Separation of criminal from society 2. Punishment of criminal behavior 3. Deterrence of criminal behavior 4. Rehabilitation of criminals

Separation from society Why is this a goal? Why is this a goal?

Separation from society Is it successful? Is it successful? 14 mm arrests in mm arrests in mm felony convictions 1.15 mm felony convictions 70% sentenced to jail time 70% sentenced to jail time Average length of sentence – 5 years Average length of sentence – 5 years

Punishment How is prison a punishment? How is prison a punishment? –Crowded, degrading, boring, dangerous –Constantly supervised –Deprived of normal social, emotional, intellectual, and sexual expression Is it successful? Is it successful?

Deterrent How is the threat of imprisonment a deterrent to criminal deviance? How is the threat of imprisonment a deterrent to criminal deviance? Is it successful? Is it successful?

Deterrent Prisons are closed to the public and the public doesn’t think much about prisons Prisons are closed to the public and the public doesn’t think much about prisons Prisoners brag about their past prison experiences Prisoners brag about their past prison experiences Funnel effect: many crimes committed but few punished Funnel effect: many crimes committed but few punished

Rehabilitation How is rehabilitation a goal of prisons? How is rehabilitation a goal of prisons?

Rehabilitation Stated goal of correction officials: Stated goal of correction officials: –Re-socialize prisoners to conform to society’s norms/values and have the skills/work habits to be productive in society Is it successful? Is it successful?

Rehabilition 63% of all inmates released from prison are arrested again within 3 yrs 63% of all inmates released from prison are arrested again within 3 yrs

In your judgment, are each of the goals currently being accomplished? In your judgment, are each of the goals currently being accomplished? Separation? Separation? Punishment? Punishment? Deterrence? Deterrence? Rehabilitation? Rehabilitation?