The Fence: In the Shadow of Two Worlds / Edition 1

by Darrell J. Steffensmeier

Overview

This book is based on the experiences of a dealer in stolen goods (alias 'Sam Goodman'), whose history serves as a model for understanding the role that fences play in today's society. In his straightforward and colorful analysis of underground life, Steffensmeier analyzes how a fence initiates and sustains relationships with thieves, customers, and other fences, how he sets and negotiates prices, the profits he enjoys, the skills required for his job, and the meaning and rewards of fencing. The author relates the circumstances leading to Sam's 'fall'—his eventual arrest and conviction for receiving stolen property. His field interviews are supplemented with court records and newspaper accounts, interviews of thieves and customers who had contact with Sam, several other fences, and law enforcement officials. In addition to documenting the lifestyle of a fascinating criminal life, the author shows how crime is intricately woven into the fabric of society, in which thieves and fences share many similarities in skills and behavior with those of legitimate businessmen. Sociologists, criminologists, law enforcement officers, and public policy makers will find this book an enlightening and engaging portrayal of the criminal career.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780847674954
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	02/27/1989
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	206
Product dimensions:	5.92(w) x 8.94(h) x 0.91(d)

About the Author

Darrell J. Steffensmeier is professor of sociology at the Pennsylvania State University.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 1. Introduction. Sam Goodman Chapter 2 2. Sam's Place Among Fences Chapter 3 3. Getting Into Business Chapter 4 4. Setting of Sam's Business Chapter 5 5. Buying Stolen Goods Chapter 6 6. Sales and Profits Chapter 7 7. Covering and Corrupting Chapter 8 8. Making Contacts Chapter 9 9. Qualifications for Success Chapter 10 10. Sam Takes a Fall Chapter 11 11. Rewards of Fencing Chapter 12 12. Rationale: The Fence andSociety Chapter 13 13. In Perspective: The Making of a Fence Chapter 14 Appendix: Images of the Fence's Role in Property Theft Chapter 15 Bibliography Chapter 16 Index

Editorial Reviews

A model for case study research and a significant contribution to criminological knowledge about a major criminal role.

Carl B. Klockars

This book is a valuable addition to the relatively small storehouse of firsthand reports that tell us in detail what criminals do in the way of criminal and non-criminal behavior.

Don Gibbons

The author dispels a number of stereotypes about fences and their interactions with thieves....the book is both interesting and enlightening. It does fill a void in the study of criminal careers....

Criminal Justice Review

The reader emerges with a vivid and thorough understanding of the life and role of a fence in contemporary America.

Choice Reviews

This study is broader and deeper than other case studies of individual 'criminals'...Steffensmeier has written an excellent analysis of several criminal worlds.

Criminal Justice Policy Review

The reader emerges with a vivid and thorough understanding of the life and role of a fence in contemporary America.

Choice

A model for case study research and a significant contribution to criminological knowledge about a major criminal role.--Carl B. Klockars, University of Delaware

This book is a valuable addition to the relatively small storehouse of firsthand reports that tell us in detail what criminals do in the way of criminal and non-criminal behavior.--Don Gibbons, Portland State University

This study is broader and deeper than other case studies of individual 'criminals'...Steffensmeier has written an excellent analysis of several criminal worlds.--Criminal Justice Policy Review

From the Publisher

The reader emerges with a vivid and thorough understanding of the life and role of a fence in contemporary America.

CHOICE