The Impact of Money Heist: A Critical Analysis of Criminal Identity and Criminological Perspectives in Popular Culture

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

law faculty, assistant prof.,Payam noor University, Tehran

Abstract

The television series "Money Heist" has become a popular cultural phenomenon with significant implications for society's perceptions of crime, criminal justice, and criminology. This study examines the dual function of cinema, which can contribute to the creation of criminal elements and motives while also playing a crucial role in addressing crimes and enhancing awareness among criminal justice agents and preventive measures.
Using qualitative content analysis, this research focuses on chapters one and two of "Money Heist," selecting sequences relevant to the topic and summarizing key propositions after removing duplicates. The raw data for this analysis was derived from reviewing characters, items, dialogues, and themes within the series.
"Money Heist" was produced in Spain in 2017 and directed by Alex Pina. The series revolves around a character known as the "Professor," who recruits experienced thieves with criminal convictions to execute an elaborate plan involving the Spanish National Mint. The thieves take hostages and print millions of euros, driven by their frustration with government injustice and perceived categorization as absolute good or absolute bad. Committing robbery is their lifestyle, and they revel in it, aiming to execute the most perfect heist in history.
Through an examination of the criminal identity of the robbers and the inspector, this study draws on critical and radical criminology approaches, including labeling theories, conflict criminology, general theory of pressure, neutralization, feminist criminology, and developmental prevention. The findings reveal significant theoretical foundations, such as the conflict between rulers and the condemned, social factors influencing crime, resistance against capitalism, and radical and feminist perspectives. The study analyzes the role of the government and the criminal justice system in the formation of criminal motivations, the process of criminality, and factors affecting crime commission.
Employing cultural criminology, the research investigates internal factors shaping the criminal identity and process. The series portrays robbery and hostage-taking as political activities and resistance in a capitalist society, reflecting a dominant view of social determinism. Narrative patterns in the series often emphasize social inequalities like poverty, unemployment, and gender discrimination, portraying the corruption of the capitalist system and its role in facilitating crime while ridiculing the effectiveness of punishment and law enforcement.
Additionally, feminist and postmodern approaches highlight the double deprivation of social and legal rights for women in patriarchal societies. The series' approach to crime is influenced by postmodern and critical criminology, emphasizing power, discourse, and mentality, and considering crime as a construct of criminalization by the legislator rather than possessing inherent characteristics.
The series' widespread popularity and the audience's identification with the hostage takers suggest shared experiences of suffering, joy, hopes, and marginalized discourses. Language and discourse play essential roles in influencing crime commission, with forbidden or marginalized narratives providing opportunities for criminal behavior.
Dealing with crime and prevention necessitates collaboration among various institutions, including the government, cultural bodies, and the judicial system. Good governance, characterized by transparency, legality, accountability, and justice-oriented practices, plays a vital role in reducing crime rates and increasing legitimacy. Enacting fair laws, ensuring legal protections without discrimination, and involving diverse social classes, minorities, and cultural groups in the legislative process are crucial to achieving social and economic justice.
In conclusion, "Money Heist" serves as a lens to examine criminal identity and criminological perspectives in popular culture, shedding light on how media influences perceptions of crime, justice, and governance. Understanding the impact of such cultural media is essential for shaping effective crime prevention strategies and fostering a just and equitable society.

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References

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Journal of Legal Studies
Volume 15, Issue 3 - Serial Number 49
October 2023
Pages 115-154

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