ABSTRACT
In order to grasp the phenomenon of crime in the United States, this chapter examines how social inequalities contribute to patterns of offending and victimization. Social class is defined as a group of people who share the same position in the same economic system. It structures both economic relationships and inequalities, as well as the type and seriousness of crime. Gender is socially constructed, loosely related to the sex categories of male and female. What it means to be masculine and feminine differs from one historical era to another and differs by geographical location, culture and subculture, class position and ethnic identity. Unequal relations between men and women have resulted in men controlling the institutional structures of society and controlling women as well. The study of "race" and crime is important insofar as people in modem society rely on the use of racial and ethnic bigotry to justify and excuse the ill-treatment of large groups of people.
