Image and news article at:In this week's lecture we were shown some short film clips. The cartoon "Family Guy" was the first of these and was designed to get us to think about shoplifting. The questions we were asked to consider were A: Is shoplifting any different to any other kind of theft? And B: Why do people who can afford to buy things, shoplift them instead?
To answer the first question, i would say that strictly speaking it breaks a law and therefore would be classed as a crime just like any other theft. However i think there can be a wide variety of reasons and circumstances behind the crime of shoplifting that, when considered fully, would allow more leniency to be shown. For example people with mental health problems such as depression,post natal depression, drug dependency etc. may be prone. It can also be committed as a reaction to abuse and stress, for example by teenagers who "Act out" their distress and need for attention by stealing. It can also be a reaction to bereavement; I work as a counsellor in the NHS and once had a client who stole and hoarded clothes as a way of filling the emptiness she felt when her father died! She realised she wasn't coping with the loss when she could fit no more clothes in her wardrobe, and sought help. So, in some respects it may be viewed as a coping mechanism or a cry for help.
Although i have partially answered question 2, there are some other reasons why people who can afford to buy items, may instead shoplift. Anger and revenge may be one reason; anger with a particular stores policies, revenge at losing a job for example. Some people may shoplift because it is risky and therefore provides a thrill. Others may enjoy the challenge of outsmarting the security measures, or beating a friend etc.
Finally, i think sometimes shoplifting occurs due to necessity and survival. At the end of the day, if you have no home, no money and starving mouth's to feed what do you do? Steal from your family and friends and betray their trust or hit a big company who can absorb he loss a little. That is not to say i condone theft, merely to say i understand some of the reasons behind it and feel that we shouldn't really judge someone until we've walked a day in their shoes.
Well that's my thoughts on the topic for now, if you have any points to raise or other ideas then get in touch. And for further info and ideas check out the links in the shoplifting section.
To answer the first question, i would say that strictly speaking it breaks a law and therefore would be classed as a crime just like any other theft. However i think there can be a wide variety of reasons and circumstances behind the crime of shoplifting that, when considered fully, would allow more leniency to be shown. For example people with mental health problems such as depression,post natal depression, drug dependency etc. may be prone. It can also be committed as a reaction to abuse and stress, for example by teenagers who "Act out" their distress and need for attention by stealing. It can also be a reaction to bereavement; I work as a counsellor in the NHS and once had a client who stole and hoarded clothes as a way of filling the emptiness she felt when her father died! She realised she wasn't coping with the loss when she could fit no more clothes in her wardrobe, and sought help. So, in some respects it may be viewed as a coping mechanism or a cry for help.
Although i have partially answered question 2, there are some other reasons why people who can afford to buy items, may instead shoplift. Anger and revenge may be one reason; anger with a particular stores policies, revenge at losing a job for example. Some people may shoplift because it is risky and therefore provides a thrill. Others may enjoy the challenge of outsmarting the security measures, or beating a friend etc.
Finally, i think sometimes shoplifting occurs due to necessity and survival. At the end of the day, if you have no home, no money and starving mouth's to feed what do you do? Steal from your family and friends and betray their trust or hit a big company who can absorb he loss a little. That is not to say i condone theft, merely to say i understand some of the reasons behind it and feel that we shouldn't really judge someone until we've walked a day in their shoes.
Well that's my thoughts on the topic for now, if you have any points to raise or other ideas then get in touch. And for further info and ideas check out the links in the shoplifting section.
In response to Jade's Blog- http://miss-j-woodstock.blogspot.com/
Hi Jade,
On your comments about shoplifting; yes, i totally agree, i think rebellion is a big thing especially for adolescents. I know when i was around 14 i used to regularly nick sweets and stuff from the local shop. Part of it was simply cockiness and the thrill of seeing what i could get away with and some was acting out the traumas that were going on at home- i think kids find various ways of seeking help and attention, i know i did. The shopkeeper caught me the one day and asked if i would like to pay for the stuff in my pocket! luckily i was given a telling off and it scared me enough that i never did it again. when i look back i feel a bit guilty but i guess it is all part of growing up eh.
On your comments about shoplifting; yes, i totally agree, i think rebellion is a big thing especially for adolescents. I know when i was around 14 i used to regularly nick sweets and stuff from the local shop. Part of it was simply cockiness and the thrill of seeing what i could get away with and some was acting out the traumas that were going on at home- i think kids find various ways of seeking help and attention, i know i did. The shopkeeper caught me the one day and asked if i would like to pay for the stuff in my pocket! luckily i was given a telling off and it scared me enough that i never did it again. when i look back i feel a bit guilty but i guess it is all part of growing up eh.
