Definitions: Some Methodological Remarks

Definitions serve a variety of functions and their general character varies with function. Definitions explain the meaning of a term. They also are helpful to investigate the thing or things denoted by the term. Definitions in social sciences rest on several assumptions about the relation between words, concepts and the social reality. They imply formulation of judgment on relevance and value. A definition of “organized crime” requires an interdisciplinary method because we deal with a complex problem that crosses boundaries between disciplines and has generated interest from multiple disciplines. They provide the necessary perspectives and insights needed to fully comprehend the problem as a whole.