NCJ Number
85661
Journal
Kriminologisches Journal Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: (1981) Pages: 54-63
Date Published
1981
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Based on several shorter tours and a 1-year stay in Peking, this article notes some observations on criminality, crime enforcement, and crime prevention in China.
Abstract
Interpretations of the observed trends draw upon Chinese history, philosophy, and custom, as well as on the fundamental political tenets of the regime. Contrasts are pointed out between these and Western thought and criminal justice practices. The official position denies the presence of any crime problem in Chinese society and, as a result, no crime statistics or research publications are available. The basic approach to crime control is deterrence through severe penalties (including capital punishment) coupled with social stigmatization against offenders and their families. Unreported crime can be assumed to be extensive, however. In 1979, the media reported a crime rise, particularly among juveniles, and much public education material demonstrated the dire consequences of a life of crime. Youth unemployment and weakening of the family's traditional role as the primary social control authority are possible contributing factors to the rise in delinquency. Early in 1980, publicity was being given to the reactivation of 'neighborhood committees' and 'educational committees' in which police and community representatives work with juvenile deviants and their parents. Reform schools for children and juveniles have been reopened at two sites since 1978. Conferences on internal order issues, widely publicized criminal trials, and public pronouncements on order and security evidence an intensifying response to criminal activity. A reference list of 22 entries is given.