Transient Population, Crime, and Solution: The Chinese Experience

Abstract

A new social problem of transient population from countryside is associated with a significant increase in the crime rate and fear of crime in major Chinese cities. Based upon the findings from the researchers' field observations and interviews, this study found that the massive rural-urban migration has challenged the previously effective control system and raised a strong demand for change. The Chinese experience in dealing with transient population further supports the control perspective: Both internal and external control are critical for preventing crime as well as fostering law-abiding behaviors.