The Role of Public Oversight in Controlling Cultural Crimes (Case Study: Mashhad City)

Abstract

Cultural crimes refer to a category of offenses that fall within the domain of cultural conflicts, are grounded in deviant cultural patterns, and inflict harm upon public and social culture. Examples include insult, the establishment of gambling houses, the production, preparation, and distribution of obscene materials, crimes against public morality, harassment of women and children, and similar acts. These crimes can be classified into four categories: those related to cultural property, those related to behavior, those related to dress codes, and those related to the dissemination of immorality. Based on theoretical and library-based findings, non-penal measures in response to cultural offenses and criminal violations are more effective and sustainable than purely punitive responses. Accordingly, the proper utilization, development, and conceptual clarification of public oversight have been identified as one of the most significant strategies for controlling cultural crimes. In line with this, a field study was conducted using a questionnaire distributed among 583 participants in the city of Mashhad. The study was carried out based on instances of cultural crimes occurring in this city and employed a stratified, specialized, descriptive, analytical, inferential, random, and intelligent methodological approach. The findings indicate that, considering the various manifestations of cultural crimes, public oversight in controlling such crimes encompasses two stages: before the commission of the crime and during its commission. Cultural authorities are effective in the stages of socialization, social prevention, and pre-offense intervention, while public actions contribute through situational control and situational prevention during the commission of the crime. Public oversight in controlling cultural crimes is grounded in the cultural context of the social environment, the offender, and the victim. From a technical and specialized perspective, it extends beyond the traditional concept of “enjoining good and forbidding evil.” Furthermore, 92% of the participants in the field study emphasized the positive impact of public oversight in controlling cultural crimes.