Explaining Criminal Deviance• Merton’s Anomie Theory (Ch. 5)

– Legacy of Durkheim– Anomie - normlessness– No regulation on individual desires– R.K. Merton’s Anomie/Strain

• Individual Adaptation to Social Conditions• Social Condition/Structure composed of two elements:

– Cultural Goals– Institutional Means

Type of Cultural Institutional Adaptation Goals Means

Conformity + +

Innovation + -

Ritualistic - +

Retreatist - -

Rebellion -/+ -/+

Anomie

Implications: 1. Structural Distribution of Institutional Means is Unequal2. Cultural emphasis on $ success leaves individual aspirations unchecked

-One of the elements of the bond (regulation) is not accomplished-This is the result of people being successfully attached (or integrated)-This truly “Anomic” – a culture that does not provide its members with the

social elements necessary to bond and control their behavior.

White Collar Crime• Varieties of White Collar Crime (Edelhartz 1970)

– Crimes against Government by Public Officials:– bribes, fraud

– Crimes against Government by Private Citizens– tax fraud, welfare fraud

– Crimes against Businesses– Embezzlement, theft, computer fraud

– Crimes against Investors– Selling worthless stock; speculating stocks

– Crimes against Consumers– Selling bad or dangerous products; overcharging; false advertising;

unnecessary prescriptions/surgeries, etc.

– Crimes Against Employees– Employee health and safety; Discriminatory hiring/promotion

– Crimes Affecting Public Health– Industrial pollution

Relevant Chapters:31. International Organized Crime• Narcotics as a money-making venture• Often links to legitimate businesses• Different from street gangs?

32. The Crash of Valuejet Flight 592• Typical of Sutherland’s definition of White Collar Crime: Corporate Crime• What is the role of the government (or regulating agencies charged with protecting

the public)?

36. Opportunity and Crime in Medical Professions • Protective Cloak

– Status– Altruism– Autonomy

• Types of Crime– Kickbacks– Prescription Violations– Unnecessary Treatment– Sexual Misconduct– Medicaid Fraud & Abuse