Seduction of crime
the immediate emotional + sensual motivations that draw people into committing crimes
Magic in motivation
the sudden emotional pull/compulsion that arises in the moment of committing a crime
Why does Katz call this process “magic”?
because nothing observable in the person’s background changes, yet they suddenly feel driven to act
Does Katz deny background factors matter?
no, but he argues they don’t fully explain why crime happens at a specific moment
How do criminals experience their actions, according to Katz?
as being seduced or compelled by the situation, rather than consciously choosing to act
why doesn’t this feeling of compulsion make crime morally unique?
because everyday life also involves feeling guided by moods, attractions, and repulsions
Pacifying subjectivity
temporarily losing self-conscious control so one can feel carried by the situation
Emotion
people are drawn to crime because of the emotional thrill it provides
Criminal projects
a patterned way of committing crime that combines action, interpretation, and emotion
Three components of a criminal project:
- path of action – how the crime is carried out
- line of interpretation – how the offender sees themselves + how others see them
- emotional process – the seductions + compulsions involved
Moral emotions
emotions tied to moral identity, such as humiliation, righteousness, shame, pride, and vengeance
How do crimes often respond to humiliation?
by transforming it into rage, pride, thrill, or moral righteousness
How does Katz explain impassioned killing?
an attempt to escape unbearable humiliation through “righteous” violence
What attracts adolescents to shoplifting and vandalism?
sneaky thrills and testing moral identity
Sneaky thrill
- the excitement of secretly violating rules while appearing innocent
- an attempt to transcend an existential dilemna (between the inner and outer identity)
Why must a robber become a “hardman”?
to deny uncertainty and maintain emotional control in face-to-face violence
What does Katz argue crime is really about?
primarily driven by the sensual and emotional experience of the act itself, rather than just material gain or social background
How would Katz define the motivation for crime
crime is motivated by the emotional and moral seductions experienced in the moment, not just by background conditions
