Theoretical Analysis
TropJ
organizedcrimeonline.pptxOrganized Crime
1
Daniel Bell once argued that organized crime is an American way of life. It does not exist solely against the wishes of the American people, as a certain percentage (or a majority during Prohibition) want a product or service that is not legal.
2
Abadinsky’s Definition (to account for various forms of organized crime)
The Mafia has weakened – for various reasons – in relation to all organized crime. But, organized crime flourishes (Mafia, drug cartels from Columbian to Mexican, Chineese tongs and triads, Yakuza, outlaw motorcycle gangs, Russian organized crime, Albanian organized crime, etc.)
3
Organized crime: Ongoing criminal activities with the following attributes
4
1) Nonideological
No political nor ideological goals
Money is the goal
If engage in political activity, it is gain protection or immunity.
5
2) Hierarchical: three or more permanent positions of authority, each with authority over the next
Authority is in position, not the person
Organized crime is designed for economic success in illegal markets.
6
3) Having limited or exclusive membership
Not an equal opportunity employer
Limitations have included gender, ethnicity, kinship, criminal record
Potential member needs a sponsor and a period of apprenticeship
7
4) Constitutes a unique subculture
Members of organized crime view themselves as different than conventional society and they often view that society contemptuously. They often do not see the rules of conventional society as applying to them.
8
5) Perpetuates itself
Willing to adapt to the provision of new services or products as necessary (e.g., when Prohibition ended, the Mafia simply changed what it provided)
Ongoing criminal conspiracy designed to persist through time
(e.g., power in position not person who may die or may come to be incarcerated) Note: if you are a sociology major, Weber’s concept of legal rational authority applies here. If the leadership was charismatic – like a cult leader – the group may disappear after the incarceration or demise of the leader.
9
6) Willingness to use illegal violence
Violence is viewed as an available and usable resource not restricted by ethical considerations.
10
7) Monopolistic
Organized crime wants to eliminate competition and usually wants to control a particular industry in a particular geographic area (or both).
Often the basis of much violence in organized crime is rooted in setting up a monopoly (e.g., Columbia in the recent past; Mexico today)
11
8) Governed by Rules and Regulations
Written/unwritten rules and regulations by which members must abide
Again, organized crime is successful because it is tightly run
E.g., omerta: code of silence
12
Question to ponder
What social policy do you think is best designed to reduce the negative impact of organized crime on society?
13
