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Socioeconomic Status and Racism as Fundamental Causes of Street Criminality

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Abstract

The theory of fundamental causes in medical sociology identifies socioeconomic status and racism as fundamental causes of disease and health disparities. We draw on this theory to argue that socioeconomic status and racism are also fundamental causes of violent and property crime. In line with the theory, we argue that criminology should pay increased attention to socioeconomic status and racism for the most far-reaching reductions in street criminality to be achieved.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, University of Maine, 5728 Fernald Hall, Orono, ME, 04469-5728, USA

    Steven E. Barkan

  2. Department of Sociology, Bates College, Lewiston, ME, USA

    Michael Rocque

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  1. Steven E. Barkan
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Barkan, S.E., Rocque, M. Socioeconomic Status and Racism as Fundamental Causes of Street Criminality. Crit Crim 26, 211–231 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10612-018-9387-x

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