Criminology’s Traditional and Persistent Bias

Abstract

Since it emerged as a scientific discipline in the 19th century, criminology has exhibited and continues to exhibit a clear bias. Research and theory have focused on crimes by the powerless, not the powerful; crime in the streets, not crime in the suites; conventional crime, not white collar crime; crime by individuals, not crime by governments and corporations; disorganized crime, not organized crime. Mainstream criminological theories are the product of this slanted attitude. They are based on behaviours that are not necessarily the most injurious, most harmful, or most deleterious; and on offenders who are not necessarily the most vicious, most serious or most dangerous.

In spite, therefore, of the extent and seriousness of delinquency as a social problem, its most serious aspect for humanity to-day is the prevalence of delinquent action by persons immune from censure, and by established governments.

The government of a modern industrial state, backed by the police, the army, the media of communication, wields powers undreamed of one hundred years ago. The abuse of these powers by political opportunists, gangsters, psychopaths and authoritarian cliques pose a far more serious threat to society than the ordinary criminal.

Alex Comfort (1970:11–12; back cover)

Delinquency and Authority A Study in the Psychology of Power