THE NEW MYTH OF CLASS AND CRIME
- 1 November 1980
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in Criminology
- Vol. 18 (3) , 319-336
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9125.1980.tb01368.x
Abstract
On the basis of a reanalysis of the empirical evidence. Tittle et al. (1978) concluded that the presumed inverse relationship between class and crime is a myth. We discuss six problems in their evaluation: paucity of evidence; lack of specification of theoretical relationships; faulty specification and measures of class; inadequate operational definitions of “crime”; faulty analysis of evidence; and failure to examine all evidence. We conclude that the empirical evidence supports the hypothesis that low class position is a source of serious crimes against persons and property.Keywords
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