NCJ Number
91542
Journal
Social Problems Volume: 31 Issue: 1 Dated: (October 1983) Pages: 1-27
Date Published
1983
Length
27 pages
Annotation
Arson is essentially a consequence of economic decisions undertaken by the banking, real estate, and insurance industries, as well as the racketeering operations of organized crime syndicates.
Abstract
Traditional methods of dealing with the deadly crime of arson are based on a view of arsonists as pyromaniacs or vandals. This paper shows a clear link between the policies of banks and insurance companies and the arson-for-profit schemes of organized crime, professional arsonists, shady landlords, and corrupt public officials. A sociology of arson is developed, and several kinds of arson are analyzed. Specific bank investment practices and insurance underwriting policies which directly contribute to the problem are described. The paper concludes by assessing proposed new remedies for arson in terms of the conflicting interests of corporate institutions, on the one hand, and tenants and homeowners on the other. Study data, footnotes, and about 150 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)