Description

Global Anomie, Dysnomie, and Economic Crime: Hidden Consequences of Neoliberalism and Globalization in Russia and Around the World

The author argues that globalism propelled by neoliberalism is an inherently destabilizing and criminogenic force. Although globalization creates a plethora of illicit opportunities and illegal motivations, it weakens control structures. Merton’s concepts of relative deprivation and anomie, which so well captured mid-century American culture, are becoming increasingly applicable to large swaths of the “developing” world. The disjunction between goals and means fuels the corruption, drug dealing, transnational prostitution and sexual slavery of shadow economies such as Russia’s (which experienced complete and abrupt privatization), as well as rioting, rebellion, and other collective action.

crime and criminals — white collar crime; globalization; liberalism — neoliberalism; criminology — anomie theory; Russia — crime and criminals; equality – inequality

Citation: Social Justice Vol. 27, No. 2 (2000): 16-44