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Neutralizing Potential and Self-Reported Digital Piracy

A Multitheoretical Exploration Among College Undergraduates

University of Texas at Dallas, morris{at}utdallas.edu

George E. Higgins

University of Louisville, Kentucky

This study explores retrospective (self-reported) and prospective (willingness to engage) participation in digital piracy via a multitheoretical approach relying on self-control, social learning, microanomie, and techniques of neutralization. Using more complete measures of digital piracy than in previous studies (illegal music, software, and movie downloading), data were collected from undergraduate students from multiple universities (n = 585). Modest support was found for neutralization theory when controlling for other theoretical variables. Modest support was also established for social learning theory. It is clear that there is an underexplored cross-theoretical dynamic in explaining self-reported piracy and willingness to engage in digital piracy. Suggestions for policy and future research are presented and limitations are accounted for.

Key Words: digital piracy • neutralization • social learning • microanomie • cybercrime

This version was published on June 1, 2009

Criminal Justice Review, Vol. 34, No. 2, 173-195 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0734016808325034


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