Are We There Yet? An examination of the viability of “green crime” as a sub-discipline of Criminology

• In Event: Green Criminology 2

Abstract

This paper will provide a critical analysis of current perspectives of green crime and ascertain its true position within the field of Criminology. Though there are contesting arguments with respect to the development of this important sub-discipline within the field of Criminology, I will argue that "green crime" has yet to sufficiently explore how societal machinations of power further environmental harm and victimization, particularly across national borders, and explore whether perspectives of green crime may be adequately advanced within Criminology if considerable debate remains with respect to whether these environmental harms even constitute crimes. This paper will examine whether the apparent delay of “green” criminology to yield meaningful empirical results and explore the broader theoretical and practical implications arising from continued environmental degradation may be because such research may be better explored outside the ambit of traditional criminological discourse, where its concepts may be more palatable – or whether perhaps “green” criminology simply needs more time to achieve maturity. In closing, I will offer suggestions for the direction that research on green crime may take to advance itself as a formidable sub-discipline within Criminology both within the US and internationally.

Author

• Tameka Gaye Samuels-Jones, University of Florida