Greed is Good

Maximization and Elite Deviance in America

By (author) Matthew Robinson, Daniel Murphy

Paperback - £35.00

Publication date:

16 December 2008

Length of book:

150 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9780742560710

Centered on the concept of 'Maximization,' Matthew B. Robinson and Dr. Daniel S. Murphy offer a new theory of elite deviance and corporate crime called contextual anomie/strain theory. Exploring how simultaneous use of legitimate (i.e., legal) and illegitimate (i.e., deviant or illegal) means of opportunity in pursuit of one's goals, Greed is Good explains various forms of elite deviance and corporate crime. Contextual anomie/strain theory posits that although everyone in American society experiences stress and frustration association with American Dream, there are certain contexts in American society that produce even greater stress, frustration, and pressures toward crime. One such context is the corporate workplace. This book affirms how deviance and criminality have become normal in big business due to pressure to produce massive profits at the expense of all other considerations.
In the midst of the present huge financial crisis, this book could hardly be more timely. The authors offer a novel theoretical framework for enriching our understanding of crimes of the rich and powerful. Matthew Robinson's previous books have been noteworthy additions to the criminological literature. In collaboration with Daniel Murphy, he has once again made a thought-provoking contribution to the field, from which the current generation of students has much to learn.