NCJ Number
92445
Journal
Social Forces Volume: 62 Issue: 2 Dated: (December 1983) Pages: 334-358
Date Published
1983
Length
25 pages
Annotation
Theories of crime/deviance are examined to determine how strongly the popular, but now controversial, hypothesis of a negative class/crime association is rooted in theory.
Abstract
This review of eight theories shows that none actually provides an adequate rationale for predicting such a relationship. It is found that the theories lead to a negative class/crime hypothesis only by addition of external assumptions, most of which are embodiments of preconceived notions about the lower class. Thus, the scientific status of the class/crime hypothesis is further challenged. Possible explanations for the persistence of a belief in a negative association between class and crime, despite problematic empirical evidence and theoretical inadequacy, are suggested. (Publisher abstract)