NCJ Number
87032
Editor(s)
U Eriksson,
H Tham
Date Published
1982
Length
196 pages
Annotation
Eleven papers discuss the historical character of criminality and its control in Sweden. The authors also consider deviancy and social acceptance in the framework of history.
Abstract
An initial article explores the concept of criminality as a response to widespread dissatisfaction and social pressure to continually try to achieve more material possessions. Another reviews developing philosophies over the years in Swedish criminal justice policy and considers some modern reforms reflected in movements to rehabilitate rather than punish, separate the juvenile from the adult in terms of processing, rely on local prisons, and pay inmates competitive wages, etc. Two articles criticize weaknesses in society that are reflected in criminality -- discrimination against women and social anomie caused by an overemphasis on achievement that may be out of range of individual and group capacities. Three authors look at the role of the Swedish bureaucratic or administrative structure in increases in white-collar crime, particularly since this kind of crime occurs outside the range of traditional social controls exercised by church, trade guilds, family, and community. The report's final section consists of studies of criminality under earlier social structures. One examines two industrialized communities, one which had traditionally strong social control mechanisms before the onset of industrialization and one which owed its development to the industrial movement. This newer town with no strong traditional social network has a high crime rate and little social cohesion. The official records of a 19th century criminal are studied to show differences in criminal justice policy and use of social control as an enforcement mechanism in this period as opposed to its use today. A final article discusses private police work in the 1800's. A few illustrations are included.