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CHANGING CONCEPTUALIZATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS Implications for Criminology Theory
Author(s) -
STAATS GREGORY R.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
criminology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.467
H-Index - 139
eISSN - 1745-9125
pISSN - 0011-1384
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-9125.1977.tb00048.x
Subject(s) - criminology , psychology , sociology , epistemology , engineering ethics , engineering , philosophy
This article examines both traditional and contemporary conceptualizations of professional criminals as viewed by criminologists. Traditionally, criminologists have viewed professional criminals as being involved in full‐time, nonviolent. highly skilled specialties. Contemporary conceptualizations stress professional criminals as being no specialized, less skilled, and involved in violent behavior. These conceptual changes reflect an emphasis upon observations rather than theoretical development among criminologists examining professional crime. As long as an observational emphasis persists, theories concerning professional criminals will not progress either rapidly or in an orderly fashion. Changing conceptualizations of professional criminals can be viewed as an example of insufficient theoretical development existing within the discipline .