Topic Sociologist/ Theory Key findings
Globalisation Key points The erosion of national borders, combined with greater economic interconnectedness of nations, has allowed new
forms of criminality to develop. There has also been a change in the patterns of criminal organisations. The ‘demand’
from Western countries encourages developing nations to ‘supply’ and thus increased ‘global criminality’. E.g. night
time economy in the West based on drug use by club goers which provides opportunities for criminals in Latin America
countries to supply class A drugs or wealthy art and antiques collectors in the west looking to purchase valuable
paintings and sculptures leads to criminals stealing to order specific art treasures.
Global risk Risk consciousness: an awareness that human made dangers and hazards aren’t tied to a particular place. An
consciousness interconnected world has created more insecurities and problems which we are now more aware of. Nation states
are attempting to combat globalised crime by (1) intensification of social control at a national level – fining airlines if
they bring in undocumented passengers, (2) UK now has no legal limits on how long a person can be held in
immigration detention, (3) fences, CCTV and thermal imaging devices, (4) tougher border controls.
Capitalism and crime Taylor makes the link between the free market, inequality and rising crime. Globalisation has increased
unemployment in the US as companies have relocated to ‘cheaper’ wage countries. Left realists argued that a
materialist culture, promoted by global media has led to an increase in crime. Marxists agree with the claim that
poverty and lack of job opportunities had led to an increase in crime. Insider trading – stock market trading with
access to confidential information is fraudulent in finical markets. BUT Taylors thesis is criticised because he doesn’t
explain WHY criminality happens.
Crimes of globalisation International financial organisations create conditions for criminality. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) impose
austerity measures on developing countries such as Rwanda, mass unemployment paves the way for an increase in
crime. The IMF demand that welfare benefits be cut back, lack of safety net leads people turning to crime to survive.
Glocal Hobbs and Dunningham argue that criminal activity is based on individuals with contacts who begin to form a local
network. Individuals seeking cash opportunities, often legitimate and illegitimate, use this network for their own
advancement. Glocal means when local criminals have links internationally. This means that criminality will vary
from place to place, according to local conditions. There is a shift rigid criminal hierarchies to loose, flexible
criminals.
McMafia Misha Glenny coined the term McMafia. The collapse of communism and regulated free markets increased crime.
Russians bought up oil and gas. Wealthy Oligarchs turned to mafia to protect their new wealth. There were often
alliances between former KGB men and ex-convicts. Mafia franchised it operations to other protect rackets.
Billionaires used the mafia. Criminal organisations were vital entry points for Russian capitalists in the world.
Green crime Key points How globalisation has increased crimes against the environment and the problems with trying to measure
environmental harm e.g. the Exxon Valdez oil spill impacted on the environment of many nations and thus cannot be
the sole problem of one nation state. Environmentalists say green crimes committed in one nation can impact upon
another country e.g. atmospheric pollution for industry can cause acid rain or global warming causes hot, dry weather
and a subsequent 30% increase in risk of forest fires. This has contributed to wildfires in Australia.
Globalisation Key points The erosion of national borders, combined with greater economic interconnectedness of nations, has allowed new
forms of criminality to develop. There has also been a change in the patterns of criminal organisations. The ‘demand’
from Western countries encourages developing nations to ‘supply’ and thus increased ‘global criminality’. E.g. night
time economy in the West based on drug use by club goers which provides opportunities for criminals in Latin America
countries to supply class A drugs or wealthy art and antiques collectors in the west looking to purchase valuable
paintings and sculptures leads to criminals stealing to order specific art treasures.
Global risk Risk consciousness: an awareness that human made dangers and hazards aren’t tied to a particular place. An
consciousness interconnected world has created more insecurities and problems which we are now more aware of. Nation states
are attempting to combat globalised crime by (1) intensification of social control at a national level – fining airlines if
they bring in undocumented passengers, (2) UK now has no legal limits on how long a person can be held in
immigration detention, (3) fences, CCTV and thermal imaging devices, (4) tougher border controls.
Capitalism and crime Taylor makes the link between the free market, inequality and rising crime. Globalisation has increased
unemployment in the US as companies have relocated to ‘cheaper’ wage countries. Left realists argued that a
materialist culture, promoted by global media has led to an increase in crime. Marxists agree with the claim that
poverty and lack of job opportunities had led to an increase in crime. Insider trading – stock market trading with
access to confidential information is fraudulent in finical markets. BUT Taylors thesis is criticised because he doesn’t
explain WHY criminality happens.
Crimes of globalisation International financial organisations create conditions for criminality. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) impose
austerity measures on developing countries such as Rwanda, mass unemployment paves the way for an increase in
crime. The IMF demand that welfare benefits be cut back, lack of safety net leads people turning to crime to survive.
Glocal Hobbs and Dunningham argue that criminal activity is based on individuals with contacts who begin to form a local
network. Individuals seeking cash opportunities, often legitimate and illegitimate, use this network for their own
advancement. Glocal means when local criminals have links internationally. This means that criminality will vary
from place to place, according to local conditions. There is a shift rigid criminal hierarchies to loose, flexible
criminals.
McMafia Misha Glenny coined the term McMafia. The collapse of communism and regulated free markets increased crime.
Russians bought up oil and gas. Wealthy Oligarchs turned to mafia to protect their new wealth. There were often
alliances between former KGB men and ex-convicts. Mafia franchised it operations to other protect rackets.
Billionaires used the mafia. Criminal organisations were vital entry points for Russian capitalists in the world.
Green crime Key points How globalisation has increased crimes against the environment and the problems with trying to measure
environmental harm e.g. the Exxon Valdez oil spill impacted on the environment of many nations and thus cannot be
the sole problem of one nation state. Environmentalists say green crimes committed in one nation can impact upon
another country e.g. atmospheric pollution for industry can cause acid rain or global warming causes hot, dry weather
and a subsequent 30% increase in risk of forest fires. This has contributed to wildfires in Australia.
