Bøker av Darrell J. Steffensmeier

This is an in-depth ethnographic study of Sam Goodman, long-time thief, fence and quasi-legitimate businessman. It combines Sams colourful narrative accounts with substantive commentary by the author to provide a more nuanced portrayal of criminal careers, illegal enterprise, and the broad landscape comprising the entity called crime.

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. Steffensmeier provides a detailed analysis of how a fence develops relationships with thieves, customers, and other fences, how prices are set and negotiated, the profits derived, and the skills required for the job, and the meaning and rewards of fencing. Steffensmeier relates the potential consequences: the events surrounding Sam's eventual arrest and conviction for receiving stolen property. Sociologists, criminologists, law enforcement officers, and public policy makers will find this an book enlightening and engaging portrayal of the criminal career.