Inequality and Crime

Catalog description

Social inequality plays a prominent role in the explanation of crime and delinquency, despite considerable debate over the nature of this relationship. Some theories and research suggest that inequality causes crime; others argue that criminal behavior perpetuates social stratification, and yet others predict no meaningful relationship. This course will explore the relationship between social inequality and law violation by focusing on three questions: First, what are the major segments of inequality in the United States and how does criminal behavior vary across these strata? Second, does social inequality cause criminal behavior or does law violation generate social stratification? And third, what are the roles of social processes and state policies focused on criminal behavior in maintaining and reinforcing inequality?