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Viewpoint -- Romantic Fictions: The Re-Emergence of the Crime as Politics Debate

NCJ Number
112348
Journal
Sociological Review Dated: (1988) Pages: 133-145
Author(s)
J Tierney
Date Published
1988
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper focuses on the argument that black/working class crime represents a form of political action.
Abstract
Current debates in criminology over the nature of black criminality and black crime statistics are discussed. Attempts to infuse working class crime with political status have a sociological pedigree stretching back at least to the 1960's. The links between contemporary and earlier work in this field are examined. Three specific theoretical orientations emerging out of the new deviancy during the late 1960's and the early 1970's -- convergence, politics of subcultural style, and crime as politics arguments -- are discussed. A critical appraisal of what are seen as often overromanticized formulations is presented. The final section attempts to indicate how relevant theoretical framework may be constructed. 18 footnotes. (Author abstract modified)

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