NCJ Number
217258
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 51 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2007 Pages: 40-51
Date Published
February 2007
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study explored the growth and sources of anomie in China.
Abstract
Results indicated that the level of anomie in China increased over the 10 year study period. Increases in anomie, which were marked in 1995 and 2000, corresponded to increases in crime. Multiple regression analyses revealed that employment, having children, and satisfaction in life were negatively related to anomie. Age was not significantly related to anomie, which suggests that anomie occurs across all age groups. The findings also indicated that anomie was more likely among educated citizens. Data were drawn from the European and World Values Surveys Integrated Data File, 1999-2000 Release I, which is a compilation of the European Values Surveys and World Values Surveys from over 80 countries. Data were also drawn from two previous waves of the survey (1990 and 1995). Anomie was measured through four items on the surveys that probed whether respondents had ever: (1) claimed government benefits they were not entitled to; (2) avoided a fare on public transportation; (3) believed that accepting a bribe in the course of their duties was justifiable; and (4) cheated on taxes. The analysis, which employed multiple regression analyses, focused on the impact of socioeconomic and attitudinal variables on the development of anomie in China. Limitations of the study are discussed and include its use of survey methodology in a country where citizens fear offending the government. Tables, figure, references