Marginalization of Society as Criminogenic Factor

Abstract

The relevance of a problem of marginalization for the current state of crisis in Ukraine is considered in the article. Such social phenomena as violation of the principle of equality, sharp social delimitation, unemployment, inflation, corruption, poverty are the determining factors nowadays; they contribute to the marginalization of society. The special type of the personality with a crisis or catastrophic consciousness has already formed. The origin of the term «marginal man» is studied. The essence of marginalization and its causes, among which the main place is taken by transformational processes in society, which are always accompanied by an increase of negative phenomena in the spheres of economy, politics and spiritual life is characterized. In particular, marginalization of society promotes the imposition of Western values, which are not always acceptable to the mentality of Ukrainians. It leads to the alienation of citizens, their apathy and cynicism, mistrust of power. Such factors as the poorly thought-out national and migration policy of the state, the expansion of cultural ties between peoples, the availability of information through the Internet can contribute to the formation of the phenomenon of marginal person. An important place among the factors of marginalization is taken by globalization, which entails a rapid mix of diverse cultures. People find themselves on the verge of different social forces, different ideologies and religions, which they are difficult to join. As a result, they become outcasts of society. The nature of the modern city can be the source of the marginality. Migrants, unattended minors, persons engaged in vagrancy or begging, persons without a definite place of residence, persons who do not have a permanent place of employment, prisoners, persons who were convicted, sentenced, released from prison and did not try to make some lifestyle changes, persons involved in prostitution, chronic alcoholics, drug addicts; toxicants and others belong to the category of people who have the marginal lifestyle.   The specific type of personality of the marginal person is characterized. The main psychological aspect that defines the people who have the marginal lifestyle is a factor of exclusion, by virtue of which they oppose themselves to others, violate the norms of law and morals. A characteristic feature of the marginal personality is legal nihilism. A typical form of manifestation of the legal nihilism of marginalized groups can be called a deliberate violation of current legal acts, massive non-compliance with legal requirements. The lack of norms generates a total criminalization of social relations. It is grounded that the marginal situation can be a serious crime-causing factor. Marginal persons are often the victims of various crimes or criminals. The marginal lifestyle usually precedes the commission of crimes, and the deepening and spreading of marginalization processes negatively affects the quantitative and qualitative state of crime. It is argued that the marginalization of society should be tackled economically by raising the standard of living of the people, reducing poverty, unemployment, stratification of society into super-rich, lowincome groups and poor people.