Quoted Passages & Two Reminders

A short passage from Prof. Akers which I quoted in connection with criticizing Anomie theory:
"...there is little evidence that unemployment motivates people to commit criminal acts. Moreover, crime is as likely to affect unemployment as vice versa."

And then a longer passage which addresses the policy implications of Anomie and other macro-level theories:
"The ultimate policy implications of any structural theory is that basic changes need to be fostered to remove the criminogenic features of economic, political, and social institutions of society. The clear implication of anomie theory, for instance, is to promote the integration of cultural goals and socially approved means, and the redistribution of opportunities in the class system."

Let me add, that despite some of the problems with Social Disorganization & Anomie theories, I believe the general policy implication that stems from them is sound.


REMINDER I: As I noted at the end of class today, I only plan to cover chapters 1 & 6 in Crime Types next Tuesday, so that is all you need to read in Crime Types for the sake of the midterm.

REMINDER II: Post family questions for the midterm exam as a comment on that blog post (Sun. Oct 5th) NO LATER THAN 2PM TOMMORROW (FRI. 10/10)