Hi, I need help with these four questions can anyone help me, it is for my economics class.
1)How does the economic (or rational decision-maker) approach to criminology work with or against other criminology theories?
2)Suppose we know that Frank has beaten Jimmy bad enough that Jimmy must go to the hospital. As economists, what do we know about Frank’s decision to take this action?
3)Describe two regulations that lead to black markets. One of the black markets should have a price higher than the legal market and the other black market should have a price lower than the legal market.
Name the product, the regulation and why the price in the black market is different.
4)What is the difference between active (or intentional) discrimination and "statistical" discrimination? Which is easier to prevent? Why?
1) At least some criminals are rational decision makers, who respond to price and price changes. If the "price" imposed on crime (that is the punishment imposed for getting caught) goes up, we would expect criminal behavior to go down.
2) the probability of getting caught times the punishment expected by the courts was less than the value of the utility that Frank got from beating the s*** out of Jimmy
3) We generally have black markets for illegal goods (e.g., drugs). But black markets can exist for legal goods. Black-market cigarettes are below-market-price goods because the sellor has not paid the excise tax. Illegal scalpers at football games sell tickets above face value because of the fixed supply of seats and the demand for such seats exceeds the face value price.
4) Intential discrimination is a sign that reads "we only hire Star-bellied Sneeches". Statistical discrimination is an observation of the data that shows that Plain-bellied Sneeches with job skills have a much higher unemployment rate than Star-bellied Sneeches.
Sure, I can help you with these questions! Let's break them down one by one:
1) To understand how the economic approach to criminology compares to other criminology theories, you first need to understand what the economic approach entails. The economic approach to criminology assumes that individuals are rational decision-makers who weigh the costs and benefits of their actions. This perspective focuses on the idea that criminals engage in illegal activities when the expected benefits exceed the expected costs.
In contrast, other criminology theories may emphasize different factors that contribute to criminal behavior, such as social, psychological, or structural factors. For example, sociological theories often emphasize the role of social influences and environmental conditions in shaping criminal behavior.
The economic approach does not necessarily work against other criminology theories but rather complements them. It provides a different perspective that can help us understand the rationality behind criminal actions and the implications of costs and benefits on criminal behavior. By combining insights from different criminology theories, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex factors that drive crime.
2) From an economic standpoint, if Frank chooses to beat Jimmy to the extent that Jimmy needs to go to the hospital, we can infer that Frank has considered the expected costs and benefits of his actions. The decision to engage in violence suggests that the expected benefits (for example, personal gain or perceived power) outweigh the expected costs (such as legal consequences or potential retaliation).
3) Black markets arise due to regulations that create restrictions or prohibitions on the production, sale, or distribution of goods and services. These regulations can create opportunities for illegal activities outside the legal market. Here are two examples:
a) Product: Illegal drugs
Regulation: Prohibition of drug production and distribution
Price difference: In the black market, the price is usually higher than in the legal market due to the underground nature of the supply chain, increased risks, and scarcity of the product.
b) Product: Counterfeit luxury goods
Regulation: Intellectual property laws and trademark regulations
Price difference: In the black market, the price is usually lower than in the legal market due to the absence of manufacturing costs, taxes, and quality control measures associated with legitimate production.
4) Active or intentional discrimination refers to the deliberate and conscious differential treatment of individuals based on certain characteristics such as race, gender, or age. This type of discrimination is rooted in prejudice and biases.
In contrast, statistical discrimination occurs when individuals or institutions use generalizations or statistical associations to make decisions or judgments about individuals. They are not purposely discriminating but instead rely on limited or incomplete information to judge someone's characteristics or behaviors based on group averages or stereotypes.
Preventing active discrimination is generally easier because it involves addressing individuals' conscious biases and prejudices through education, awareness campaigns, and legal measures. However, addressing statistical discrimination poses greater challenges since it often reflects implicit biases and societal norms deeply ingrained in decision-making processes. Overcoming statistical discrimination requires structural changes, data-driven policies, and efforts to challenge and change societal prejudices.
To get a more in-depth understanding of these concepts, you can consult relevant academic sources, textbooks, or scholarly articles on criminology, economics, and discrimination.