CRJ 401 test 2

according to differential association, individuals learn criminal behavior through ___

exposure to favorable definitions of crime

which theory emphasizes blocked legitimate opportunities leading to crime?

strain theory

a weakness of strain theory in organized crime is …

many offenders have access to legitimate means 

rational choice theory assumes offenders 

make decisions weighing costs, benefits, and opportunities

routine activity theory requires which 3 elements

motivated offender, suitable target, lack of capable guardian

enterprise theory frames organized crime as…

an illegal response to persistent consumer demand

which model explains organized crime as a business decision based on risk and reward?

enterprise theory 

subculture theory views organized crime as …

rooted in deviant values within certain groups

which is an example of opportunity theory?

drug smuggling increases when border patrol is weakened

ethnic succession theory suggests new immigrant groups enter organized crime because …

there are limited legitimate economic opportunities 

a hierarchical model of organized crime resembles

a family tree

criminal networks differ from hierarchies because

they’re fluid, adaptable, built on trust

anomie theory as used by Merton highlights 

social breakdown or norms guiding legitimate means 

criminogenic asymmetries refers to…

global inequalities in laws, economies, and enforcement capacity

T/F - neutralization techniques help offenders rationalize criminal behavior

true

a cell structure is used primarily to …

compartmentalize operations

leadership succession in traditional Mafia groups often relies on

blood ties and seniority

a polycentric model means

multiple centers of power that have flexible alliances

corruption networks are sometimes described as 

shadow governments 

cultural transmission theories argue

crime is learned and reinforced in communities over generations

critics of ethnic succession theory argue that

ethnicity is less central than opportunity and demand

neutralization techniques allow offenders to

rationalize illegal behavior

the term Cosa Nostra refers to 

the American Mafia

the Sicilian Mafia expanded into the US primarily via

mass immigration in the late 19th/early 20th century

network redundancy ensures

no one weak point can collapse the organization

the Castellammare war ended with 

Maranzano killed, Lucky takes over 

Lucky’s commission established?

a governing board to mediate disputes

the Mafia initially provided what

private protection

the five families of New York are…

Gambino, Genovese, Lucchese, Bonanno, Columbo

the decline of the Mafia since the 1980s is tied to

RICO

the Mafia’s reputation is based on what?

violence, secrecy, and loyalty 

the RICO act of 1970 targeted what?

enterprises using patterns of racketeering activity