Globalisation of crime

Defining globalisation

Waters describes globalisation as a social process in which the constraints of economic, political and social arrangements have declined. It contains individual interconnectedness between social groups., caused by development of the digital technologies, mass migration, increase of transitional corporations.

Why sociologists study global crime

Those addicted to global crime products ( cocaine, crack, heroin) are responsible for a great deal of domestic crime. Globalisation has led to new crimes such as people trafficking. Gangs of traffickers have profited from the plight of migrants despite ro escape from poverty, resulting in hundreds of deaths in the Mediterranean.

The difficulty of investigating global crime.

• there is no accurate way in which the value or cost of global crime can be estimated.

• It is difficult to measure the precise extent of global crime.

• Sociologists are over-reliant secondary sources which exaggerate the problem in order to justify extra funding.

• Primary sociological research into global crime is likely to be dangerous. There is disagreement as to how global crime should be defined.

New Types of crime

the spread of global capitalism has produced new opportunities to commit pre-existing crimes, such as theft, as well as new types of global crime.

Containerisation

• Transport of goods across the world in container ships.

• Drug people, and weapon dealers can easily sneak counterfeit goods that can be trafficked.

• Due to the quantities envolved it is hard to always have these types of containers checked by the police force therefore many are easily snuck into different countries.

• Global gangs may try to bribe port officials to ensure easy access and smooth delivery.

Darknet

The ‘dark’ web it is internationally hidden in which users can gain access to illegal products.

Cybercrime

The growth in new communication and media technologies have led to an increase in cyber crime, allowing criminals to exploit vulnerabilities and conduct activities such as identity theft, financial fraud, and the distribution of illegal content more efficiently.

The effect of globalisation on crime

Globalisation has affected crime in a number of ways.

The influence of global crime on local crime

Hobbs and Dunningham (1998) introduced the concept of the "glocal" crime, highlighting how local criminal activities are increasingly influenced by global networks, leading to a hybridization of criminal behaviour.

For example:

1. The illegal drug trade

2. prostitution

3. human trafficking

4. cybercrime

5. arms smuggling

   The effect of globalisation on local crime rates

   1. In the UK and other Western countries, globalisation resulted in the devastation of many manufacturing industries and communities- it was more profitable to import materials such as coal and steel from the developing world.

   2. The removal of trade barriers also means that industries such as shipbuilding have been badly affected by competition from nations such as Japan and Korea.

   3. Global trade agreement meant that it became more profitable for companies to manufacture their products in factories and sweatshops in developing world because of cheaper labour costs.

   4. The decline of traditional industries in the UK and USA has resulted in mass unemployment.

   5. Job loss had a damaging effect on self-esteem and phychological stability and may heighten the possibility of addiction as a means of coping with the loss of both income and status.

   6. Drugwise estimates that there are 306000 heroin users in the UK who are responsible for over 50 % of property crime, the proceeds of which are used to buy drugs produced and distributed by global criminal networks.

Green Crime

• Defined as crime again the environment , much of which is linked to globalisation and the interconnectedness of societies

• Any threats to the eco-system are threats to the world e.g. atmospheric pollution

Green Crime

Primary Green Crime

• Crimes that result directly from the destruction and degradation of the earth’s resources.

  - Includes : crimes of air pollution, deforestation, species decline/ animal abuse and water pollution.

  eg:Deforestation 1/5th of the Amazon Forest was distroyed between the 1960’s-1990s

Secondary Green Crime

• Crimes that come from the flouting of the rules aimed at preventing or regulating environmental disasters

  -Includes: state violence against oppositional groups, Illegal disposal of hazardous wate, environmental discrimination/ environmental racism

  Eg: Deep water risen 2009 oil rick spill filled at sea bed.

  Eg: Chernobal Ukraine.

  Evaluation: Hard to mesure and prove who is wrong

Beck (1992) - Global Risk Society

• Most of the threats to the environment are of our own making.

• In order to meet humanity needs there has been a massive increase in productivity and use of technology.

• This has lead to the creation of new risks.

• These risks are global rather than local, creating a global risk society.

  Global riosk society- Chernobl

  , Fast fashon- shein, have to make fast fashion warehouses