NCJ Number
15146
Journal
Kriminologisches Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: (JULY-SEPTEMBER 1974) Pages: 171-181
Date Published
1974
Length
10 pages
Annotation
CRITICISM OF CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORIES WHICH ANALYZE CRIME CAUSES IN TERMS OF SOCIAL STRATA OR CLASSES, ADVOCATING A THEORY OF CONSCIOUS ACTION TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS.
Abstract
THE THEORIES CRITICIZED INCLUDE BOTH MARXIST AND NONMARXIST APPROACHES, WHICH THE AUTHOR ASSERTS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO USE THE CONCEPTS OF STRATUM OR CLASS TO EXPLAIN THE LINK BETWEEN SOCIAL CONDITIONS AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR. THE THEORY OF SOCIAL ACTION ASSERTS THAT SOME CRIMES ARE CONSCIOUS ATTEMPTS TO OVERCOME POOR LIVING CONDITIONS, WHICH ARE DEFINED AS THE LACK OF PROPERTY AND POWER. THIS APPROACH FOCUSES ON ANALYZING THE STRATEGIES OF ACTION AND DEFINITIONS OF SITUATIONS WHICH ARE DEVELOPED BY PERSONS IN REACTION TO SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGEOUS CONDITIONS. THESE MAY BE CLASSIFIED AS RESIGNATION, POLITICAL ACTIVITY TO CHANGE SOCIETY, EFFORTS TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS IN SOCIALLY ACCEPTED WAYS, AND EFFORTS TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS IN WAYS THAT VIOLATE SOCIAL NORMS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED) --IN GERMAN