ABSTRACT
Fairness theory (FT) gives fairness norms primacy in understanding why society regards some behavior as criminal. The criminal justice system evidences the same behavioral responses, but they manifest in different ways. The first part of this chapter lays out the basic propositions of a FT, positing that the behavioral options of exploitation, retaliation, spite, and certain forms of withdrawal are more likely to result in harmful unfairness. In the second part of the chapter, FT is discussed in light of a number of earlier perspectives on crime including Merton's anomie theory, containment theory, culture conflict theory, techniques of neutralization, the labeling perspective, and Hirschi's social bonding theory. Later criminological perspectives to which FT is applied include General Strain Theory, differential coercion/social support theory, peacemaking criminology, and biosocial criminology. FT may serve an integrative function among existing theories.
