Social Organized Crime Perspective
Social Organized Crime Perspective
A social institution is defined as a complex, integrated set of social norms organized around the preservation of a basic societal value (Sociologyguide.com, 2011). A social institution is an organized system that exists to satisfy basic social needs. These institutions help connect individuals to a larger social group. In this paper I will discuss and explain how organized crime relates to social institutions. I will also explain which theories can be applied to organized crime and criminal behavior.
Organized crime is considered a social institution because it fills a void some members of society need. Organized crime groups capitalize on consumer demands for goods and services; drugs, gambling, and prostitution being the most in demand. Many people believe as long as laws are in place to prevent immoral acts, organized crime will always be a part of society. Organized crime groups are often found in densely populated area where demands are high and people are more likely to look the other way. Another reason organized crime is considered a social institution is through membership of the group itself. Some individuals are drawn to organized crime as a way to belong to a group. The structure of organized crime provides a sense of familial ties for many.
Enterprise theory explains why organized crime continues to exist. Enterprise theory applies because organized crime fills the need for goods and services in demand by the public. Organized crime groups are involved in legal and illegal businesses. The legal businesses serve as a front for laundering money and a way to explain income. The law of supply and demand results in organized crime groups using violence, planning, corruption, and organization to continue to meet the needs of society.
The Alien Conspiracy theory applies to organized crime because of immigrants incorporating their way of life and culture into our society. This theory began with Italian immigrants.
A social institution is defined as a complex, integrated set of social norms organized around the preservation of a basic societal value (Sociologyguide.com, 2011). A social institution is an organized system that exists to satisfy basic social needs. These institutions help connect individuals to a larger social group. In this paper I will discuss and explain how organized crime relates to social institutions. I will also explain which theories can be applied to organized crime and criminal behavior.
Organized crime is considered a social institution because it fills a void some members of society need. Organized crime groups capitalize on consumer demands for goods and services; drugs, gambling, and prostitution being the most in demand. Many people believe as long as laws are in place to prevent immoral acts, organized crime will always be a part of society. Organized crime groups are often found in densely populated area where demands are high and people are more likely to look the other way. Another reason organized crime is considered a social institution is through membership of the group itself. Some individuals are drawn to organized crime as a way to belong to a group. The structure of organized crime provides a sense of familial ties for many.
Enterprise theory explains why organized crime continues to exist. Enterprise theory applies because organized crime fills the need for goods and services in demand by the public. Organized crime groups are involved in legal and illegal businesses. The legal businesses serve as a front for laundering money and a way to explain income. The law of supply and demand results in organized crime groups using violence, planning, corruption, and organization to continue to meet the needs of society.
The Alien Conspiracy theory applies to organized crime because of immigrants incorporating their way of life and culture into our society. This theory began with Italian immigrants.