NCJ Number
198734
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 1 Issue: 31 Dated: January/February 2003 Pages: 37-56
Editor(s)
Kent B. Joscelyn
Date Published
January 2003
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This research review presents the most substantive and methodological accomplishments in the study of perception of crime seriousness.
Abstract
Crime seriousness perceptions have been studied since the 1960's, as the way people perceive crime is considered to be a central aspect of normative culture in general and formal social control in particular. Researchers have examined the degree of consensus in perceived seriousness for a variety of deviant and criminal behaviors, based primarily upon data from surveys. The different methods used, such as methods of measurement, questionnaire structure and content, level or measurement, and others have been discussed at length. This body of research is challenged here and the author discusses possible future directions, including recommending the establishment of connections to sociological theory and normative philosophy. Topic areas include conceptualization: dimensions of perceived seriousness; populations, measurement, and methodological findings; substantive findings: dimensions of perceived seriousness; consensus; correlates of seriousness perceptions; and a question is posed, what else do we want to know? Tables provide information on Sellin and Wolfgang's typology, Newmans' typology, and Rossi et al.'s and McCleary et al.'s dimensions. An appendix provides information on key features of empirical studies of perceived crime seriousness. A source list of references is included.