Organized Crime Research Paper

In the following paragraphs I intend to discuss and explain depth social organizations. I will further discuss and explain how social organizations apply to organized crime. Moreover, I will define each so that there is a better understanding of the material at hand. I will also discuss my opinion on what theory I think applies organized crime and criminal behavior.

What is social institution? A social institution can be described as a group or organization that ultimately has a goal, purpose, or task. Generally, social organizations have their under-ranking members carry out acts in order to obtain their objective. Examples of social institutions are schools, health care, religious institutions, family, political institutions, and economic.
What is organized crime? The most simple and to the point definition would be the banding together of individuals to engage in illegal activities for financial gain. Other organized crime groups main focus is political such as terrorist groups. When we think ‘organized’ crime what usually comes to mind? The mob or mafia. Gangs in America are sometimes categorized as organized crime. Violence, assault, drug and human trafficking, murder, and drug sales to name a few. Social institutions apply to organized crime in numerous ways.

Criminal organizations typically form tight-knit relationships with legitimate business owners who wish to profit from the organizations success.
It is my opinion, that many criminal organizations form in low poverty areas generally where their product they are selling can be predominant. Examples of criminal organizations could be La Costra Nostra, The Mexican Drug Cartel, and the Italian Mafia.
It is my opinion the strain and anomie theory are most applicable when applied to organized crime as well as criminal behavior. The strain and anomie theory theorizes that individuals who engage in illegal activities do so as a result of wanting the American dream. They only think about the materialistic things that they could acquire as a result of the crimes and not necessarily the consequences that proceed their actions. I general, most individuals try to cover their tracks and many believe they will not be caught because they are “careful”.

The differential association theory, in my opinion, also applies to organized crime and criminal behaviors. The differential theory can be defined as one 's social environment or group in which they associate with. An example would be a child growing up in a good home who later became associated with the wrong crowd and due to peer pressure become engaged in delinquency. The individuals who associate with these groups are at extremely high-risk to conform to the norm’s of the group in which they are trying to fit in
to.

The differential association theory is the theory that applies the most to organized crime and criminal behavior in my opinion.
In general, you will see organized gangs prevail out of low-income areas. These neighborhoods are riddled with drug-addicts and drug sellers. Prostitution is usually something the locals consider the normal. When I think of this theory, I picture a youth boy from a one parent home who is bullied and longing to feel love from a male. He finds himself hanging out with local gang bangers and ultimately conforms and does whatever they ask in order to be a member of their group. It is rather scary to learn what they endure in order to be accepted into these
organizations.

The strain and anomie theory as well as the dissociation theory I have discussed in this paper are just the two that I feel can be applied to criminal organizations and criminal behavior. There is also the alien theory and social control. These theories can and do assist researchers, criminal justice professionals, society, and law enforcement with gaining a better understanding of the complex elements that exist within criminal organizations and criminal behaviors.

Each and every theory discussed is supported by statistics, research, and fact. In addition, the theories discussed herein show similar mannerisms and characteristics of that of criminal behaviors displayed by criminal organizations. It is my own theory that geographical location plays a large role in the amount of violence displayed and seen by criminal organizations within specific areas.

References:

Lyman, M. D., & Potter, G. W. (2007). Organized crime (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

The Free Dictionary. (2013). Retrieved from http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Criminal+organization