NCJ Number
185146
Date Published
2000
Length
224 pages
Annotation
In a major new theory of criminal behavior, this book argues that chronic criminals emerge from a developmental process characterized by recurring, erratic episodes of coercion.
Abstract
This differential coercion theory, which integrates several existing criminological perspectives, develops the thesis that coercive forces create social and psychological dynamics that lead to chronic criminal behavior. Coercion can be direct or indirect. Direct coercion is called "interpersonal coercion," which is the use or threat of force and intimidation aimed at creating compliance through fear. Although this often involves the actual use or threat of physical force in an interpersonal relationship, this is not a necessary component. Coercion also involves the actual or threatened removal of social supports, which provide both material and emotional needs of individuals. Indirect coercion is referred to as "impersonal coercion," which is the pressure that arises from structural arrangements and circumstances that seem beyond individual control, such as economic and social pressure caused by unemployment, poverty, or competition among businesses or other groups. This impersonal coercion creates a sense of desperation that seems to compel an individual toward immediate action. Coercion, it is argued, is an important part of the etiological mix for understanding the production of chronic street criminality; however, the author also applies the theory to exploratory offenders and white-collar criminals. The book also presents a critique of current crime control measures, which rely heavily on coercion, and offers in their place a comprehensive crime-reduction program based on consistent, noncoercive practices. Appended guide to literature on measuring key variables, chapter notes, 393 references, and a subject index