Document Type : scientific

Authors

• Zahra Rastaei ¹
• Amir Paknahad ²
• Mehrdad Rayejian Asli ³

¹ Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Shi.C., Islamic Azad university, Shiraz, Iran.

² Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Shi.C., Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran.

³ Department of Law and Jurisprudence, Institute for Research and Development in the Humanities(SAMT), Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Criminological literature has historically been urban-centric, although crime and misdemeanor are not exclusive to urban areas. In mainstream criminology, which is the primary approach to defining misdemeanor, urban crime serves as the theoretical framework. However, a critical examination of these theories reveals their inefficiency in addressing crimes in rural areas. Many theories in the field focus on large populations, cultural diversity, social class hierarchy, and social disorganization, which are predominantly found in urban areas. In contrast, rural areas are characterized by smaller populations, homogeneous cultures, ethnic-based social classes, and a strong sense of community. These differences have influenced crime patterns and led to area-specific offences. In rural communities, crimes related to the environment and rural economy, such as poaching, unlicensed wells, and changes in land use, are more common. This research employs a descriptive bibliometric approach to analyze the existing gap in mainstream criminological theories, revealing significant differences between rural and urban crimes and highlighting that rural crimes cannot be analyzed simply as an extension of urban crimes. Identifying the shortcomings of such theories enables a better understanding of rural crimes, leading to appropriate preventive measures.

Keywords

• Rural Criminology
• Mainstream Criminology
• Rural Subsistence
• Cultural and Social Structures in Rural Area
• Rural Crimes

Main Subjects

• Criminal Law