NCJ Number
108510
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1987) Pages: 177-192
Date Published
1987
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The application of a system-level model to data about the People's Republic of China indicates that reported increases in criminality in Post-Mao China can be understood and explained, at least in part, by a variety of social factors.
Abstract
These factors have hindered the development of social bonds, produced isolated peer structures, decreased legitimate opportunities, increases opportunities for crime, and affected the nation's distribution of formal deterrence mechanisms. The integrated system-level model focuses on modernization and cultural forces as the initial determinants of crime, with other social system features influencing the values of the independent variables. The model hypothesizes that changes in crime can be partly explained by using a 'routine activities' approach that considers how people interact with one another, the pattern of their activities, and their movements in space or time. It also integrates control, strain, and criminal opportunity theories. The model is used to analyze the following types of data about China between 1976 and 1986: family patterns, organization of work, organization of school, neighborhood patterns, leisure patterns, and political education and organization. Recommendations for further research. 26 notes, and 49 references. (Author summary modified)