The geographical embeddedness of organised crime in China: A rural–urban divide perspective

Abstract

Organised crime groups do not operate in a social vacuum; instead, they embed themselves in society through various interfaces. Criminologists have therefore given increasing attention to the intricate relationship between territory and organised crime, highlighting how territory serves as both a physical space with geographical boundaries and a social construct shaped by human interactions and cultural values. In this article, we delve into the geographical embeddedness of organised crime, which denotes territories where organised crime groups seek out business opportunities and shape their environments through social practices. Drawing on 861 Chinese judgements of organised crime, we employ the content analysis approach to illustrate this concept through the lens of a rural–urban divide. We specifically look at organised crime groups’ illegal activities and their efforts to conceal them. We also theoretically address the supply and demand mechanism in geographical embeddedness, particularly in connection with natural resources.