First, there are a variety of key propositions contained in Mead’s theory on social solidarity and punishment. There are two instincts that are involved in this theory, hostile instincts and friendly instincts. A finding of Mead’s was that we as humans adjust ourselves to match or be more cohesive with the common social processes that are in place. Social practices started out as simplistic gestures that were accepted, and eventually evolved in language. These are examples of how a society grows. In regards to the criminal justice system, Mead discusses that the punishment for an offence has two purposes. First, there is a purpose that the offender should suffer the consequences of his or her actions proportionally to the evil that they
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If the person is innocent then they may remain a part of this cohesive unit. If proven guilty then the loss of privileges occurs, however, the most serious punishment is the actual ban of the criminal. There is tremendous hostility towards that particular offender; this is termed as emotional solidarity. In conclusion, Mead states that without the criminal then the cohesiveness of a particular society would be in shambles. Therefore, punishment as a part of the criminal justice system is essential due to the preservation of the community unity as well as having intact morals, norms, and values (Mead, 1918, p. …show more content…
It was almost as if one was absent the other would not occur. Both theorists described emotional responses to offenders and the conduct that they were engaged in. Also, those societies, at least in earlier history, had cohesive values or bonds that they held either sacred or standard. Citizens knew what these were and if there was an offense committed this is when the offender began to be an outsider. Both also did take the time to describe how change can occur in a society. The bonds change along with the values, which can lead to a less cohesive unit that is extremely diverse (Garland, 2014 & Mead,
If the person is innocent then they may remain a part of this cohesive unit. If proven guilty then the loss of privileges occurs, however, the most serious punishment is the actual ban of the criminal. There is tremendous hostility towards that particular offender; this is termed as emotional solidarity. In conclusion, Mead states that without the criminal then the cohesiveness of a particular society would be in shambles. Therefore, punishment as a part of the criminal justice system is essential due to the preservation of the community unity as well as having intact morals, norms, and values (Mead, 1918, p. …show more content…
It was almost as if one was absent the other would not occur. Both theorists described emotional responses to offenders and the conduct that they were engaged in. Also, those societies, at least in earlier history, had cohesive values or bonds that they held either sacred or standard. Citizens knew what these were and if there was an offense committed this is when the offender began to be an outsider. Both also did take the time to describe how change can occur in a society. The bonds change along with the values, which can lead to a less cohesive unit that is extremely diverse (Garland, 2014 & Mead,