NCJ Number
152012
Journal
EuroCriminology Volume: 7 Dated: (1994) Pages: 77-95
Date Published
1994
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study documents the volume, structure, and dynamics of crime in Hungary.
Abstract
Data show that Hungary is experiencing an unprecedented wave of crime. To explain the current and projected increase in Hungary's crime, the author discusses two crime-cause theories. The "neopositivist" theory argues that crime stems from socioeconomic change and social injustice. The other theory discussed is the so-called "modernizing" theory, which reasons that the crime increase in Hungary is the outcome of welfare, democracy, and freedom, all of which are found in developed capitalist countries. In discussing crime prevention, the author defines it as "an activity for the prevention of crime practiced by state, governing, and coordination, in which both the social organizations and individual citizens take part." The structure for social crime prevention has not yet been formed in Hungary. The crime increase, however, is likely to force political leaders and legislators to develop a strategy to counter crime that encompasses crime prevention. The article concludes with a description of the crime prevention activities and achievements of the National Civil Guard Union, which was established in 1951 to coordinate the work of social self-defense organizations. A 19-item bibliography