Neutralizations, Their Sources, and Crime

• In Event: Cross-National Assessments of Criminological Theories

Abstract

Relatively few empirical studies have directly investigated various aspects of moral neutralizations and their links to criminal behavior. Using random sample household survey data from Russia, Ukraine, and Greece, our study adds to this research by examining several potential sources of neutralizations (e.g., past crime and morality), present neutralizations, and future chances of offending. In addition, it explores whether various factors such as sociocultural context and criminal motivation may serve as contingencies in this process. The results provide some support for our hypotheses and generally confirm that more attention should be paid to the role of moral neutralizations in crime production.

Authors

• Charles R. Tittle, North Carolina State University

• Olena Antonaccio, University of Miami

• Ekaterina Botchkovar, Northeastern University