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Cultural Explanation of Crime

Name of the Student

Department, Institution Affiliated

Course Code: Course Name

Name of the Instructor

Due Date
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Cultural Explanation of Crime

Introduction

Understanding why people commit crimes has been one of the major preoccupations in

the area of criminology. One emergent view that has cropped up with a lot of popularity is that

crime is largely a result of cultural factors, and thus, cultural elements play an immense part in

influencing criminal behavior. This proposed study seeks to go into the relation that exists

between culture and crime, in particular, insofar as how culture influences crime with its

subsequent ramifications not only in law enforcement but also in policy-making. Culture is a

complex and interrelated system of customs, values, and beliefs that may affect the individual's

perception of morality and, correspondently, the probability of being involved in criminal or

deviant behaviors. However, the relationship between culture and crime is not straightforward.

Rather, it is influenced by many social, economic, and political factors. In this regard, much

broader knowledge of this relationship is very important to permit the utilization of it in devising

apt strategies for combating crime and rehabilitating criminals.

This paper would be useful for the further growth of the literature in providing a clearer

understanding of the cultural explanation of crime. Moreover, it will have concrete implications

with political value, informing policy-making and law enforcement strategies. Hence, the results

of this study could be a springboard to more culture-sensitive and culture-specific crime

prevention interventions.

Literature Review

The study by Lacey et al. (2018), "Understanding the Determinants of Penal Policy:

Crime, Culture, and Comparative Political Economy," delves into the multifaceted determinants

of penal policy by exploring four critical paradigms: crime, cultural dynamics, economic
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structures and interests, and institutional differences in political economies. The authors argue

for integrating these paradigms within a comparative political economy framework, emphasizing

the importance of analyzing penal policies within the context of technology regime change over

the long term.

This research is highly relevant to the proposed topic, "Cultural Explanation of Crime,"

as it explicitly examines cultural dynamics as a central paradigm influencing penal policy. By

recognizing the interplay between crime, culture, and economic structures, the study provides a

nuanced cognition of how cultural factors contribute to shaping penal policies. The case studies,

particularly the examination of race, illustrate the practical intersection of these dynamics.

Understanding the role of culture in penal policies is crucial for the research, and this source not

only acknowledges cultural dynamics but also positions them as a critical determinant, aligning

with the focus of the proposed study. The comprehensive review and analytical framework

presented in this source offer valuable insights that can inform one’s exploration of the cultural

explanations for crime.

Sampson et al. (2018) revisit the seminal work by Sampson and Wilson (1995) in

"Toward a Theory of Race, Crime, and Urban Inequality," aiming to reassess and update the

theory in the context of significant social changes over the past two decades. The original thesis

posited that racial disparities in violent crime were linked to persistent structural disadvantages

concentrated in African-American communities, highlighting the concept of "racial invariance."

The paper examines the theory's relevance in contemporary times, addressing key concepts and

new challenges.

This study is pertinent to the research proposal on the "Cultural Explanation of Crime" as

it engages with the intersection of race, crime, and urban inequality. By acknowledging the
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impact of structural forces on crime and proposing a dual path forward that includes

consideration of cultural factors, Sampson et al. contribute to the broader understanding of the

cultural dynamics influencing criminal behavior. The reassessment of the thesis in light of

contemporary social changes aligns with the research’s interest in exploring cultural explanations

for crime within the evolving socio-political landscape. The dual emphasis on future research

agendas and policy recommendations also provides a comprehensive framework that resonates

with the multifaceted nature of the proposed research topic.

Jonathan Simon's work engages with the historical context of crime and violence,

emphasizing the increased focus on the fear of crime and the dominance of governing through

crime in political culture. The study highlights the shift in penal practices, particularly the

diminishing role of the death penalty, as a marker of modernity. Simon's examination of

imprisonment rates from the 1920s to the late 1970s provides a historical perspective on the

evolving approach to crime governance.

The work of Simon is very relevant to the research proposal "Cultural Explanation of

Crime" as it touches on the cultural and political dimensions of crime control. As Simon

discussed, the prioritization of governing with crime denotes a cultural change in societies'

perception and reaction to criminal behavior. This is harmonious to the greater concept of

understanding cultural dynamics in light of crime. In addition, the study on risk management and

security approaches to governance adds to an understanding of factors related to culture that

influence decisions in policies regarding crime. Additionally, history concerning incarceration

rates and the role of capital punishment in these periods engenders a basis for appreciation of the

influence of culture and society on penal practice. The insights by Simon help to frame the

cultural aspects of crime governance in a historical context. This helps in exploring explicitly
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from the research how the cultural factors have influenced the perceptions about crime as well as

policy responses towards it.

Xie and Baumer (2019) conducted a thorough examination and evaluation of the current

understanding of underreporting crime. Their research, titled "Cultural Explanation of Crime,"

gives useful findings that are pertinent to the field. The review encompasses five decades of

studies on judicial systems, with a focus on underlying disparities that contribute to the

phenomenon of underreporting. The authors' historical framework provides a basis for

comprehending the development of research on victim reporting and its consequences for social

policy. The study is relevant to the research issue of this paper since it investigates the social-

contextual elements that impact victims' reporting behavior. Xie and Baumer enhance our

comprehension of the impact of cultural dynamics on the decision to report crimes to the police

by presenting a comprehensive, multilevel framework that incorporates insights from the wider

body of research on seeking aid. This framework corresponds to the study's interest in cultural

explanations for crime, providing a comprehensive viewpoint on the interaction between cultural

elements and the behaviors of victims seeking help.

The emphasis on police notification as one form of victim help-seeking and the

recognition of feedback effects in the model further enrich the research focus. By incorporating

this study into the paper, one can highlight how cultural factors shape individuals' decisions to

engage with the criminal justice system, contributing to the broader understanding of the cultural

dimensions of crime reporting. Additionally, the outlined empirical implications and research

needs identified by Xie and Baumer can guide the research methodology and data collection

strategies.
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Costello and Laub's (2019) work provides a retrospective analysis of Travis Hirschi's

seminal text, "Causes of Delinquency," published in 1969, marking a pivotal moment in

criminology. The review underscores the enduring impact of Hirschi's work, which scrutinized

existing crime theories and tested hypotheses derived from social control theory using original

self-report delinquency data. Hirschi's findings, particularly the negative correlation between

attachment to parents and delinquency, have become foundational in criminological research.

This study is crucial to the research as it offers a historical perspective on developing

criminological theories and establishing vital empirical findings. The enduring influence of

Hirschi's work indicates its relevance to understanding the cultural dynamics influencing

criminal behavior. By highlighting the negative correlation between attachment to parents and

delinquency, Costello and Laub's review suggests the importance of cultural factors, such as

family relationships, in shaping criminal tendencies. Furthermore, the volume of criticism and

continued theoretical development spurred by Hirschi's work speaks to its ongoing relevance. By

incorporating this review into the research endeavor, one can emphasize how the cultural

dimensions of crime, particularly in the context of family and social control, have been central to

criminological discourse. This historical analysis provides a foundation for exploring cultural

explanations for crime within the broader context of evolving criminological thought.

Yamen et al.'s (2019) research on the impact of national culture on financial crimes in 78

countries is pertinent to the study on the “Cultural Explanation of Crime.” The study investigates

why financial crime persists despite laws and regulations, focusing on national culture’s role. It

uses Hofstede’s cultural framework to hypothesize about financial crime and the Basel anti-

money laundering index to measure financial crime incidence. The research offers empirical

proof of a link between cultural dimensions and financial crime. It reveals that nations with
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specific cultural characteristics, such as low uncertainty avoidance, low individualism, high

masculinity, and low long-term orientation, tend to have higher financial crime rates. On the

other hand, nations with individualism or positive collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and long-

term orientation have lower financial crime rates. Progressively, the inclusion of Yamen et al.'s

contribution to the body of language bolsters the cultural perspective in explaining criminal

behavior. It emphasizes the significance of cultural factors in shaping attitudes and behaviors

related to financial crimes, providing a valuable framework for understanding how cultural

dimensions influence financial criminal activities. This empirical evidence can guide and support

the investigation of cultural explanations for crime.

Corcoran & Stark’s (2018) study significantly contributes to understanding cultural

influences on crime, particularly violent crime. The research extends the culture of honor thesis

by examining the impact of cultural gender inequality on cross-national violent crime rates. This

study is unique in its use of a direct cultural measure, allowing it to explore the cultural,

structural, and regional predictors of violent crime rates across 153 nations. The findings reveal

that most standard structural variables lose their significance when controls for Latin America

and sub-Saharan Africa, regions with high violent crime rates, are applied. However, the study’s

measure of cultural gender inequality remains strongly associated with violent crime rates, even

after controlling for region. This suggests that cultural gender inequality could be a critical factor

in explaining violent crime rates. Notably, this research is highly relevant to the “Cultural

Explanation of Crime” study as it provides empirical evidence of the influence of cultural

factors, specifically cultural gender inequality, on crime rates. It underscores the importance of

considering cultural aspects when studying crime, which aligns with the focus of the research
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proposal. Incorporating the insights from this study into the research could provide a more subtle

contemplation of how culture influences crime.

Sohoni Rorie (2019) provides an unusual perspective on the matter of race, specifically

"whiteness," in elite white-collar crimes. The researchers postulate that, although with social

isolation as well as a money advantage, whiteness may make cultural adaptations that predispose

to elite white-collar crimes in the USA. Notably, this research can be attributed to the “Cultural

Explanation of Crime” research as it explicates how cultural factors idolized by racism and social

class affect criminal behavior. It demonstrates an essential consideration of the place of race,

social isolation, and financial advantage in the criminal inquiry—a reason that this study

proposal is aligned. Such ideas brought forth by this research should be incorporated into the

aims of this paper so as to ensure a comprehensive understanding of how culture influences

crime.

Thus, this study puts forward that a good portion of middle and upper-class Whites in the

US live in relative social isolation both geographically and culturally. Such isolation combined

with financial advantage may impede outgroup empathy development and promote feelings of

individual entitlement. The formulation of crime-specific cultural frames carrying justifications

and neutralizations for elite white-collar crimes can then be attributed to such factors.

Hypothesis

1. Cultural variations have a significant impact on how individuals perceive criminality,

resulting in unique understandings of what qualifies as criminal activity in various

cultural contexts.
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2. Cultural dimensions, specifically high individualism, high masculinity, and low

uncertainty avoidance, are positively associated with higher crime rates, indicating that

cultural factors play a crucial role in shaping criminal behavior.

Methodology

The cultural explanation of crime is a rather extensive and complex topic that would

require adopting a mixed-methods strategy for proper explication. For instance, the quantitative

metric would require an evaluation of relevant statistics from reliable databases, national

surveys, and official reports. This approach investigates the patterns and associations between

cultural variables and crime rates among cultures. Large-scale data sets make it possible to have

a wide overview of cultural influence on crime in order to draw generalizations. To this view, the

quantitative approach emphasizes the extent to which cultural variables contribute to variation in

crime rates. On the other hand, interviews with respondents alongside case studies and focus

groups on the question of how cultural factors influence criminality represent the qualitative

dimension. This is to say, qualitative methods give an understanding of the ways individuals

perceive, experience, and interpret crime-related cultural norms and values. It will be possible to

reach a large understanding by the lived experiences and socio-cultural context through which

criminal behavior comes into being with the help of qualitative methods. This method enriches

the research by offering detailed insights that complement and explain the quantitative findings.

Integration of Methods

The integration of quantitative and qualitative methodologies guarantees a

comprehensive investigation into the cultural factors contributing to crime. Quantitative data

provides a holistic view and identifies overall patterns, whereas qualitative data provides in-

depth information and context, enabling a more precise assessment of the cultural factors that
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influence criminal conduct. The incorporation of these techniques enhances the research,

guaranteeing that the results are not only statistically sound but also based on the real-life

experiences and cultural backgrounds of those engaged in criminal behavior.

Data Collection and Analysis

The methodology for this research involves a combination of quantitative and qualitative

data collection and analysis. Quantitative data will be sourced from crime databases, national

surveys, and official reports. This data will undergo statistical analysis to identify patterns and

correlations. On the other hand, qualitative data will be collected through interviews, focus

groups, and case studies. This data will provide a deeper understanding of individual experiences

and perceptions related to cultural norms and values associated with crime. Thematic analysis

will be used to analyze the qualitative data, allowing for the extraction of meaningful patterns

and insights. This mixed-methods approach ensures a comprehensive exploration of the cultural

explanation of crime, providing both a broad overview of the quantitative data and rich, detailed

insights from the qualitative data.

Ethical Considerations

To ensure its integrity, the research will be carried out under strict ethical guidelines.

Very crucial and confidential data of participants will be maintained as people covered by

collected data will have their identities and information details concealed. Informed consent will

be required from all participants, where they are fully aware of the nature of the research and

their contribution to it. In addition, there will be responsible handling of data, meaning that there

will be no mishandling of data or access by unverified persons. Such ethical considerations are

important since this would ensure that the research process is conducted, ensuring the intimate
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rights and dignity of participants, for example, ensuring their trust and orderliness in the conduct

of the research.

Expected Results

Quantitative Findings

Through the quantitative analysis of crime databases, national surveys, and official

reports, it is expected that patterns and correlations between cultural factors and crime rates will

emerge. Anticipated results include the identification of cultural variables significantly

associated with variations in crime rates. For instance, the study may reveal that societies

characterized by high individualism or low uncertainty avoidance exhibit distinct crime trends

compared to those with contrasting cultural profiles. These quantitative findings will contribute

to a broader understanding of how cultural distinctions influence the prevalence and nature of

criminal activities.

Qualitative Insights

Qualitative methods, including interviews, focus groups, and case studies, are anticipated

to provide rich insights into the lived experiences and perceptions of individuals regarding

cultural norms and values related to crime. Qualitative findings may uncover subtle cultural

factors that influence decision-making, social structures, and community dynamics, contributing

to a deeper comprehension of the cultural underpinnings of criminal behavior. Exploring

individuals' narratives may reveal the ways in which cultural norms either deter or propel

criminal activities within specific cultural contexts.

Thus, the synthesis of quantitative and qualitative results is expected to yield a

comprehensive understanding of how culture interacts with and shapes criminal behavior. By

triangulating data from different sources and methodologies, this research aims to present a
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narrative that not only identifies statistical associations but also provides contextually rich

explanations for the observed patterns. The expected results will contribute valuable insights for

policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and researchers grappling with the complexities of

crime within a cultural framework.

Conclusion

Conclusively, this research proposal on the cultural explanation of crime adopts a

comprehensive mixed-methods approach to explore the intricate interplay between culture and

criminal behavior. By integrating quantitative analyses of crime databases and national surveys

with qualitative investigations through interviews and case studies, the study aims to uncover

both broad patterns and differentiated insights. Expected results include the identification of

cultural variables significantly associated with variations in crime rates, providing a clarified

understanding of how cultural subtleties influence the prevalence and nature of criminal

activities. The synthesis of these findings is expected to yield a holistic comprehension of the

cultural underpinnings of crime, contributing valuable insights for policymakers, law

enforcement agencies, and researchers seeking to address the complexities of crime within

diverse cultural contexts. This research aspires to not only advance academic knowledge but also

offer practical implications for developing culturally sensitive crime prevention strategies,

fostering a safer and more informed society.

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References

Corcoran, K. E., & Stark, R. (2018). Culture, Region, and Cross-National Violent Crime. Sociological

Forum, 33(2), 310–333. https://doi.org/10.1111/socf.12423

Costello, B. J., & Laub, J. H. (2019). Social Control Theory: The Legacy of Travis Hirschi’s Causes of

Delinquency. Annual Review of Criminology, 3(1), 21–41. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-

criminol-011419-041527

Lacey, N., Soskice, D., & Hope, D. (2018). Understanding the Determinants of Penal Policy: Crime,

Culture, and Comparative Political Economy. Annual Review of Criminology, 1(1), 195–217.

https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-criminol-032317-091942

Sampson, R. J., Wilson, W. J., & Katz, H. (2018). REASSESSING “TOWARD A THEORY OF RACE,

CRIME, AND URBAN INEQUALITY.” Du Bois Review: Social Science Research on Race,

15(1), 13–34. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1742058x18000140

Sohoni, T., & Rorie, M. (2019). The whiteness of white-collar crime in the United States: Examining the

role of race in a culture of elite white-collar offending. Theoretical Criminology, 25(1),

136248061986431. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362480619864312

Vogel, M. E., & Simon, J. (2007). Crime, inequality and the state: “Governing through crime” (p. 7).

Routledge.

Xie, M., & Baumer, E. P. (2019). Crime Victims’ Decisions to Call the Police: Past Research and New

Directions. Annual Review of Criminology, 2(1), 217–240. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-

criminol-011518-024748

Yamen, A., Al Qudah, A., Badawi, A., & Bani-mustafa, A. (2019). The Impact of National Culture on

Financial Crime. Journal of Money Laundering Control, 22(2). https://doi.org/10.1108/jmlc-01-

2018-0004
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Appendix A

Consent Form for Participation in a Research Study

Cultural Explanation of Crime: A Global Perspective

Description of the Research and Your Participation

Participation in a research study being conducted by [Your Name] is cordially extended to you. The

primary objective of this study is to acquire an exhaustive comprehension of the cultural determinants

that impact criminal conduct on a global scale. Your involvement will consist of responding to a set of

inquiries designed to examine the cultural aspects associated with criminal activity in various societies.

Risks and Discomforts

Participation is free and without known risks. The participation will be about the information related to

crime from a cultural perspective. All your privacy and confidentiality will be taken care of.

Potential Merits

This study could be important in assisting researchers to understand better how cultural differences

affect criminal conduct. The findings will definitely go a long way in formulating culturally sensitive

methods and crime prevention policies, bringing in a new era of crime prevention that is more successful

on a worldwide front.

Protection of Confidentiality

Your privacy will be safeguarded. Your identity will be a secret, and no disclosure of responses will be

undertaken. The information provided will be kept with proper safety and used merely for research

purposes. Personal or personally identifiable information will not be publicly disclosed.

Voluntary Participation

It is voluntary for you to take part in this research project. You are free to decline to participate and to

withdraw your consent at any moment without incurring any fees or repercussions.
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Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this study, please contact [Your Name] at [Your

University]. If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, please contact the [Your

University] Institutional Review Board.

Consent

I have read this consent form and have had the opportunity to ask questions. I give my consent to

participate in this study.

Participant’s signature_______________________________ Date: _________________

A copy of this consent form will be provided to you for your records.
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Appendix B

Cultural Explanation of Crime Survey

Interviewer’s Name: __________________________ Date: _____________

Physical location of interview: _________________________________________ (Block of Street

nearest to location)

Introduction:

“Hello. My name is [Your Name], and I am a researcher conducting a survey to explore the cultural

dimensions related to criminal behavior globally. We aim to gain insights into how cultural factors

influence criminal activities. Your participation involves answering a series of questions, and your name

will not be used in this survey. Do you have any questions?”

Survey Questions: (Please indicate your response with a checkmark): SA A D SD U

a) I believe that cultural values impact the prevalence of crime… [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

b) Cultural diversity contributes to variations in criminal behavior… [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

c) I am aware of cultural factors that may lead to criminal activities… [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

d) Cultural norms play a role in shaping perceptions of criminality… [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

e) I feel safe in my community… [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

f) I believe that cultural awareness programs can help reduce crime… [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

g) There are cultural practices in my community that deter criminal behavior… [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [

h) I am familiar with cultural initiatives aimed at crime prevention… [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

i) Cultural factors influence the effectiveness of law enforcement… [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

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j) I have suggestions about how cultural understanding can enhance crime prevention… [ ]

[][][][]

Demographics

1. Gender:

 Male [ ] Female [ ]

1. Age: __________

2. Race:

 White [ ] Hispanic [ ] African-American [ ] Asian [ ] Other [ ]

1. Educational Background:

 Did not graduate from high school [ ]

 High school or GED [ ]

 Some college hours [ ]

 College graduate [ ]

 Masters or higher [ ]

1. Employment Status:

 Unemployed [ ] Part-time [ ] Full-time [ ] Day labor [ ] Retired [ ]

1. Any additional comments or suggestions: