NCJ Number
187265
Date Published
1999
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This article investigates why illegal practices continue and presents a case study of a category of illegal practices implicated in almost all forms of illegal persistence -- bribery.
Abstract
The article concentrates on illegal economic activities, but it is important to consider other kinds of illegal networks and their implications for the task of developing a broader theoretical framework. Illegal practices can be seen as involving two poles on a spectrum of instrumentality: instrumental activities that wouldn't be conducted if they weren't possibly profitable, such as selling contraband drugs or sexual services; and prohibited non-market activities (where profit is not the primary goal) such as political subversion, religious dissidence, or repressed sexual orientations. The organization of the activities, and the impact of governmental suppression, will differ relative to the degree of instrumentality. The article concludes that, if the activities are organized and maintained primarily for instrumental purposes, rather than for "the cause" or out of feelings of solidarity/obligation, a political economy perspective (including but not limited to neoclassical economics) should be able to provide insights. Table, notes, references