Abstract
The cyberpunk genre dominates much of our popular culture, from how we think of cyber- and white-collar crime, to our understanding of how technology influences the criminal justice system. This article explores the common criminological themes prevalent within the recent video game Cyberpunk 2077 as an example of popular criminology. Specifically, it explores the game’s story and environment by examining key characters’ responses to structural inequalities through an anomie theory lens. Key characters and groups within the game exemplify Merton’s (1938) different responses to rampant poverty and socioeconomic inequality. Thus, the game can be used to explore how cultural goals and institutionalized means contribute to criminal behavior in an anomic environment.
Department/Program
Criminal Justice
Submission Type
in-person poster
Date
4-5-2024
Rights
Copyright the Author(s)
Recommended Citation
Steele, Morgan J.
(2024)
"Chippin’ In: An Analysis of the Criminological Concepts within Cyberpunk 2077,"
SACAD: John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days: Vol. 2024, Article 92.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/sacad/vol2024/iss2024/92