Organized Crime
- Submitted by: mayesita
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- Date Submitted: 06/26/2012 08:08 PM
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To compare efficiently and compare theories developed by Sutherland or Merton in regard to John Gotti; there will be a concise description of John Gotti and incorporate the theories of Sutherland and Merton. This paper will also talk about the two gangs well-known by Jerome Skolnick and his colleagues, focusing on the Gangster Disciples.
John Gotti, born in the Bronx on October 27, 1940, was the Boss of the New York City Gambino crime family. He was known for his outspoken personality and flamboyant style, resulting in the nickname, "The Dapper Don." In 1992, Gotti was convicted of 13 murders and various other charges and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. John Gotti remained in jail until June 10, 2002, when he died in the federal prison hospital from complications with head and neck cancer.
“According to Sutherland (1973), all behavior – lawful and criminal is –learned. The principal part of learning occurs within intimate personal groups. What is learned depends on the intensity, frequency, and duration of the association.”
When one looks at this theory, it seems to be very valid because behaviors are mimicked. Looking at a child, a child learns from his or her parents, teachers, and surroundings. If a child is taught to read or pray at an early age this becomes a part of whom the child will become later in life because these behaviors have been instilled in the child. I would agree with the theory of Sutherland that behaviors are learned. During the research on Gotti the information did not show in which there were any positive influences in Gotti’s life. At a young age Gotti’s life was unstable because of the frequent moves of the family, and one can only imagine that settling in an area incorporated with youth gang activity did not assist Gotti in securing the correct values in his life. Due to the association within the gang community Gotti sought out to belong, and one can only imagine that the gang members were only...
John Gotti, born in the Bronx on October 27, 1940, was the Boss of the New York City Gambino crime family. He was known for his outspoken personality and flamboyant style, resulting in the nickname, "The Dapper Don." In 1992, Gotti was convicted of 13 murders and various other charges and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. John Gotti remained in jail until June 10, 2002, when he died in the federal prison hospital from complications with head and neck cancer.
“According to Sutherland (1973), all behavior – lawful and criminal is –learned. The principal part of learning occurs within intimate personal groups. What is learned depends on the intensity, frequency, and duration of the association.”
When one looks at this theory, it seems to be very valid because behaviors are mimicked. Looking at a child, a child learns from his or her parents, teachers, and surroundings. If a child is taught to read or pray at an early age this becomes a part of whom the child will become later in life because these behaviors have been instilled in the child. I would agree with the theory of Sutherland that behaviors are learned. During the research on Gotti the information did not show in which there were any positive influences in Gotti’s life. At a young age Gotti’s life was unstable because of the frequent moves of the family, and one can only imagine that settling in an area incorporated with youth gang activity did not assist Gotti in securing the correct values in his life. Due to the association within the gang community Gotti sought out to belong, and one can only imagine that the gang members were only...