NCJ Number
86076
Journal
Social Research Volume: 48 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1981) Pages: 183-222
Date Published
1981
Length
40 pages
Annotation
Using the example of Italy, the article examines the connection between the process of urbanization and growth of criminality, particularly for the period 1969-1976.
Abstract
Official crime statistics are used as an index of criminality. Two types of municipalities are distinguished -- provincial capitals and all others. Overall, the number of crimes reported increased in both. The provincial capitals showed a crime rate 2.5 times greater in 1976 than in 1969, while the other municipalities showed a rate 2.3 times greater than in 1969. Crimes against property tripled. The more densely populated areas experienced much more severe increases in crime than did other areas of the country. Crime rates increased 134 percent in the capitals and 119 percent in the other municipalities. Among crimes on the increase are those most affected by the transformation of society, especially crimes against property. Crimes against public economy, industry, and commerce, and those against public administration -- white-collar crimes -- are much higher in the provincial capitals than elsewhere. The article concludes with a philosophical analysis of the crisis of values in Italy and the role of the Catholic Church, violence and the problems of values, the evolution of values after 1968, and the crisis of 'lyrical Marxism.' References are provided within the text.