Markets, Politics, and Crime in Contemporary China: Putting Criminological Theory to Work

Markets, Politics, and Crime in Contemporary China: Putting Criminological Theory to Work explores the landscape of criminal activity in contemporary China and examines the applicability of Western criminological theories to this cultural landscape. The text examines the nature and spectrum of crime in China, including public perceptions and government responses within the context of China's shift from a planned to a market economy and the consequences of this transformation for social inequality and criminal activity.

Central to the book is its rigorous application of Institutional Anomie Theory (IAT) to the Chinese context, juxtaposed with insights from other criminological theories, including general strain, social disorganization, and routine activities theories. Emphasis is placed on the sociocultural and political influences stemming from economic and political reforms and their bearing on crime. The work also details the evolution of crime control in China, transitioning from grassroots efforts to more modern policing and surveillance technologies.

Markets, Politics, and Crime in Contemporary China is recommended for courses in criminology, criminal justice, political science, political sociology, and comparative politics. It offers a distinct perspective on the interplay of economics, politics, and crime, providing a springboard for engaging discussions on the societal contexts influencing criminal behavior across cultures.