Effects: The Yakuza On Japanese Society
Thesis Statement
The apparent paradox of this subculture within Japan that allows clearly identifiable criminal gangs to operate blatantly within a society widely regarded as one the industrial world's most crime free societies is puzzling. Van wolfren (1989) and Kaplan and Dubro(1986), suggests that "this paradox is resolved by seeing these syndicates themselves as an integral part of the crime control process in japan and enjoying quasi-symbiotic relationship with the legitimate law authorities." So this raises the question of whether this ‘ultimate symbiosis’ (Van Wolferen, 1990, pg. 101) between the yakuza and the state endures till this day?
Yakuza Evolution:
The Shift From Traditional Crime To White
…show more content…
In the case of yakuza recruitment, research has indicated that, “Most Yakuza members are high school dropouts, delinquents and involved in drug use.” (Uchiyama, 1989)
Driven by the dominant cultural emphasis on material goals, lower-class persons use illegitimate but expedient means to overcome these structural blockages. Today, it can be seen that “Modern Yakuza members are more economically motivated and materialistic than the early yakuza, and the majority join this group because of the perceived glamour and monetary success of yakuza organizations.” (Stephen Mallory, Understanding organized crime, 2012, pg. 144-145)
Threats Posed by The
…show more content…
Mcillwain’s take on the mafia builds on economic sociologist Ronald Burt’s network theory, saying that “they ( the yakuza/ patrons) serve as brokers of information and services between various subgroups ( Politcians/ Clients), and consequently the network they inhabit is fundamental” (Bouchard, M, & Wilkins, 'Illegal markets and the economics of organized crime', 2009, pg.40) In the sense that whoever the yakuza choose to rally themselves with, determines on how much benefit the role of that person will serve as it will greatly impact