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168 Cards in this Set
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Anomie: |
Is a concept that is closely associated with two theorists, emile durkheim and robert K merton. Durkheim = he used it to describe a condition of deregulation occurring in society, by this he meant that the general procedural rules of society (the rules that say how people ought to behave towards each other) have broken down and that people do not know what expect from each other.This deregulation, or normlessness easily leads to deviant behaviour, used the term in suicide: A study of in sociology in reference to morally deregulated condition in which people have inadequate moral controls over their behaviour. anomie then refers to the breakdown of social norms and a condition in which those norms no longer control the activity of societal members. Without clear rules to guide them, individuals cannot find their place in society and have difficulty adjusting to the changing conditions of life Merton = he felt that the critical ingredient was the ability of the social system to exercise control in the form of social norms. Dividing social norms and values into two types, merton talked of societal goals and the acceptable means for achieving those goals. in addition, he redefined anomie as a disjuncture (or split) between those goals and means as a result of the way society is structured; for example, with class distinction. Deviance, then, could be explained as a symptom of social structure within which “culturally defined aspirations and socially structured means” are separate from each other. or, in other words, deviance is a product of anomie. |
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Durkheim - Suicide |
increase during times of serious economic change trends: protestant countries (netherlands, england) higher than catholic countries (spain, france) (norm of the religion in catholic) men > women single > married older > younger married with children lowest overall |
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Durkheim - Suicide |
that there was a lack of integration or regulation social integration: the degree to which individuals are connected to their society altruistic suicide: too much integration, to heavily invested in a group (strong integration) Egoistic suicide: too little integration,do not have a lot of social ties and support, that they did not belong on or letting someone down (weak integration) social regulation: the degree to which a society provides individuals with guidelines for behaviour fatalistic suicide: too much regulation (prison situation; totalitarian regimes) (regulation strong)anomic suicide: too little regulation (release from prison after 30 years, you are just wanding amily) (regulation weak)in sum, the four types of suicide are based on the degrees of imbalance between two social forces: integration and regulation |
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Aspirations/ Expectations: |
one variety of newer work carries on the mertonian tradition of examining disparities between aspirations and expectations. In this vein, aspiration are viewed as the ideal goals that one should strive for, whereas expectations are what the individual thinks he or she can actually achieve. The argument is that a disparity between aspirations and expectations leads to a sense of frustration and higher probabilities of deviant behaviour. Typically, this approach is used for adolescents because they have not had time to be rejected by the social system and thereby meet merton's criteria for a shortage of means. Robert Agnew, in particular, has argued in his general strain theory that blockage of adolescents goals leads to deviance |
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Conformity |
if in the face of moral pressure, the individual continues to accept the value of both the goals and the meas, the form of behaviour exhibited will be conforming. This is the most common form of adaptation merton theory if the emphasis on goals and means is maintained even in the face of a realization that the means are restricted, and individual will remain conforming. |
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General Strain Theory |
Robert Agnew’s general strain theory focus on juveniles and adds the concept of blocked avoidance of painful situation. Just as blocked legitimate opportunities create strain, so too does the inability to avoid stressful circumstances.Thus, agnew adds a personal level to merton's structural explanation. The second new version, institutional strain theory, is from steven messner and richard rosenfeld (2007). They posit that anomie also reduces the control of most social institutions (family, school, law) over individuals and exacerbates cultural economic source of strain approach provides another level of explanation ot the structural variables of the original perspective and demonstrated the value of relationships between cultural strain and personal factors. this acknowledgement of the complexity of strain is an important advance in combining structural factors with individual level variables |
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General strain theory |
agnew: examine stress and frustration in juveniles Assumes people of all social classes and economic positions experience frustrations in routine life can’t always avoid stressful / undesirable life events stressors (blocked aspirations or immediate goals) cause negative emotions (anger, frustration)how we respond if we have: coping mechanisms: conformity no coping mechanisms: deviance Three categories of strain: failure to achieve goals presentation of noxious stimuli - bad thing removal of positively valued stimuli - loss of good thing likely largest cause of frustration strain ->stress -> anger ->crime/deviance depends on coping mechanisms we all experience strain, but impact differs based on magnitude, recency, duration and clustering crime is more common under individuals that are under stress for frustration, they can not cope with it in an appropriate way/positive way |
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policy implications |
strain theory is macro, therefore policy should be aimed at social structure reduce strain in institutions (family, schools, work) example: work flexibility programs allow balance of work and family life include “stress relief” programs in school, work |
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Parenting styles Authoritative: supporting and demanding |
set standards and have expectations consistent with childs age discuss and explain discipline with childrenthey see like ideal |
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Authoritarian: rejecting and demanding |
value obedience and conformity restrict children’s autonomy and favour punitive discipline measures |
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Indulgent: supporting and not demanding |
allow children considerable freedom opposed to control or discipline see themselves as resources above disciplinaries |
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indifferent: rejecting and not demaning |
spend little time with kids know little about kids activities put own needs above children’s |
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Immediacy of Goals |
yet another of strain theory seeks to resolve one of the major criticism of strain theory: that the goals/means formula does not explain middle class deviance very well. While this might not be a valid criticism, Delbert Elliott and Harwin Voss added middle class delinquency to the strain picture. They did so by focusing more on immediate goals than the long range aspirations usually connects with strain theory. Juveniles are more likely to be concerned about their immediate goals (popularity, athletic achievement, good grades) than whether they will eventually succeed in life. Moreover, these immediate goal are not necessarily tied to social class, although middle class juveniles are perhaps more likely to chase immediate goals that are more difficult to achieve (class president, captain of cheerleaders) when coupled with other impediments to success (physical unattractiveness, poor personality), the inability to achieve goals may be seen as a combination of several factors. |
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Merton - social structure and anomie |
that lower class socialized to embrace middle class values the lower class have lack of legitimate opportunities to achieve middle class success strain and frustration then there is legitimate modes of adaptation and illegitimate mode of adaptation there are four adaptation to strain conformity: it is legitimate, we accept the goals but we still try to meet them, still have faith in the system and we are going to overcome, most middle class individuals, most common adaptation Ritualism: they reject the goals of society in order to respond to the means of society, it is a deviant adaptation, it is a non criminal adaptation, it is lowering your goals and then lessening the strain innovation:adreas to the goals of society but they find new illegitimate means to retain the goals, seeking material gain through illegal means, predatory offences (theft)l gangster (organized crime, alcohol trading in probation) ex walter white deviant and criminal retreatism: the give up the goals and the means, when innovation or ritualism doesn’t work, resort to retreatism ex drug addicts, alcoholics. both deviant and criminal rebellion: reject both goals and legitimate mens of attainment, and finds new goals and therefore new means, they are both deviant and criminal |
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Anomie Theory |
it is a positivist theory it is a consensus theory it is a structural theory it is a macro theory |
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Major points of the theory |
most members of society share (or are socialized into) a common system of values this common value system teaches us both the things we should strive for (cultural goals) and the most appropriate ways (societal means) to achieve those goals If the goals and the means to achieve them are not equal stressed, an anomic condition is created In a disorganized society, different degrees of access to these goals and means exist. Thus, the means are not equally distributed within a disorganized society some societies, such as that of the usa, may place too much stress on success goals. In a disorganized society, this results in a striving towards those goals, but not enough access to the means to achieve them without reasonable access to the socially approved means, members of society will attempt to find some way to resolve the pressure to achieve. These alternative solutions are called “mode of adaptation” The various mode of adaptation are formed by combination of accepting, rejecting, or substituting for the goals and the meansIf in the face of moral pressure the individual continues to accept the value of both the goals and the means, the form of behavior exhibited will be conforming. This is the most common form of adaptation. If the individual accepts the goals but rejects the means to achieve them, the form of behaviour will be deviant and innovative. Here, more available and faster ways of achieving the goals are created If the individual sees the goals as unattainable (rejects them) but accepts the means anyway, the form of behaviour will be deviant and ritualistics. In this case, the focus of the individual becomes the means rather than the ends If the individual rejects both the goals and the means, the forms of behaviour will be deviant and retreatist. A person engaged in this behaviour will not longer strive towards the goals and not even continue in the normal stream of life If both the goals and the means are rejected and then substituted for, the form of behavior will be deviant and rebellious. This form of defiance actually rejects the way society is currently set up and attempts to create a new form of society. |
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Anomie/ Strain theories |
focus on motivation newer theories: aspiration vs. expectations aspiration: ideal goals one should strive for expectations: what individual thinks s/he can achieve disparity leads to frustrations and deviance structural strain theories (eg mertons) palace origins of motivation in social structure much research has used micro level variables (individuals) instead of macrolevel variables using macro may generate more support for theory |
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Relative Deprivation |
perception that results when “poor” live near “rich”not about poverty alone when conditions are equal (everyone is poor), no strain occurs when very poor live near very rich, animosity and feelings of deprivation result evidence: David Sang - Yoon Lee found crime rates higher in cities with wide income gaps larger the gap between 10th and 90th percentiles, the greater the crime level example place: Cabrini green, chicago |
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immediacy of goals |
criticism: does not explain why people adapt to strain in different ways criticism: does not adequately explain middle-class deviance; focus on lower class doesn’t address middle/upper class deviance elliott and voss: middle class delinquency: immediacy of goals prevalent with youth (popularity, good grades) = immediate goals more important than life long term goals |
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Chapter 14 – Contemporary Theories of Process |
indeed, a consensus appears to be building that of three contemporary theoretical approaches, general strain theory, self control theory adn developmental or life course theory (along with an older one, social learning theory) are the new dominant perspectives of the 3 new one, self control theory appears to be the most popular there is another element in common among the three approaches in this chapter: the importance of factors in early life |
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Modern Strain Theory |
was originally a structural theory focusing on the effect of cultural change and inequality |
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General Strain Theory |
best known of the contemporary versions of strain theory is the result of the work of robert agnew contends that traditional strain theories look at problems achieving positively valued goals, that is the inability to achieve what one wants but he argues just as an individual's goals can be blocked, so can the ability to avoid undesirable situations or stressful life event therefore, he adds another theoretical ingredient: the avoidance of painful (or negative) situations these types of strains involve being faced with the loss of positively valued stimuli or with the presentation of negative stimuli, normally referred to as stressors These negative relationship and the generation of anger, frustration, and other negative emotions can pressure one towards crime and delinquency |
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Modern Social Control Theory |
social control theory, specifically travis hirschi version, has been the most popular of all criminological theories for the past 30 years present a theory of crime based on an examination of both crime and criminality its key ingredients are underlying propensities (crime proneness) and the conditions under which these propensities translate into crime redefined the concept of crime to allow more latitude in capturing various forms of criminality. They did this primarily because of crime is “act of force or fraud undertaken in the pursuit of self interest” the definition is compatible with hirschi's social control assumption that people are by nature self interested the authors further state that crimes are exciting for the offender particularly because of the involvement of risk or thrills, and most acts require little planning or skill involve few long lasting or substantial benefit |
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Life course theory |
life course theory is derived from social control, ecology and a new perspective on an old dataset that has been developed by robert sampson and john laub they conclude change over time is a critical component in explaining crime: the criminal experience is a dynamic one central to the life course perspective is the idea that one’s life changes in two ways: trajectories and transitions trajectories refer to the different roles one assumes with aging: going from being a sibling to perhaps a fraternity brother, professional colleague, soups, father and grandfather transitions represent significant life events precipitating role changes, such as graduation, entering the military service, marriage, experiencing the birth of children, and being diagnosed with a life threatening illness |
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Life course persistent offending |
developmental theorist believes that there is a small group of relatively persistent offenders and a much larger group of offenders who change across time the first group beings antisocial behaviour in childhood and continues into adulthood these offenders are likely to be the result of what moffits calls “neurological deficits” natural development somehow obstructed at prenatal to childhood ages - and its effect on the psychological development of the individual |
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Interactional Theory |
is another theorist who has suggested that a developmental perspective of criminality works best using social control theory core concept of attachment to parents, thornberry argues that childhood is a time when attachment to parents is particularly important successful parental attachment results in the remainder of the social control elements (commitment, involvement, and belief) and helps the child to avoid deviance This process is influenced by both neighborhood characteristic and personal characteristics (race, ethnicity, gender, and social class) |
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Lecture 8: Labeling Theory |
if in doubt go positivistnot cumulative |
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Symbolic Interactionism |
labeling theory has its roots in symbolic interaction society is given life and meaning through interactions of individuals micro level analysis Interpretations of social situations and behavioural negotiations with others stimulus - interpretation - response (kind of like creating schemas) HE JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU: if he mean to you then he likes, trying to find the meaning in the text, gender roles rapt up in our interaction, “means what you say with out saying what you mean” sense of self-derived from how we believe others see us significant others: intimate, personal Generalized others: recognition that other members of society hold specific values about his/her behaviour “looking glass self”: see ourselves as others see us significant and generalized others attitudes towards us / reactions hold up “mirror” for us to see ourselves |
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Labeling Theory |
sometimes called “societal reaction theory”deviance is in “the eyes of the beholder” (it is something that is subjective) like we create crimes, because we define what crime is how are deviant labels applied? why do some people label a deviant and others are not? what are the consequences?how do labels affect our perception of self? |
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Step of deviance: |
Primary Deviance: no societal reaction; opportunities not affected; relationships not affected; self/roles not affected significant reaction from other to change your behaviour and how to see yourself differently; how you move from primary to secondary deviance secondary deviance: societal reaction internalization of negative labels self concept is altered |
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Rosenhan - “being sane in insane places” |
where does deviance come from?experiment: grad students in mental hospital everything they did - even “normal” behaviours - seen as deviant (symptoms of psychological disorder) one labels are attached, everything reinforces the deviance label remains even if symptoms hidden labels are very hard to remove especially when they were applied by the institution formal labeling: labelled by formal agents of social control or helping professionals informal labeling: labeling in private sphere most attention paid to formal sphere within informal sphere, there is tendency to protect individual and not called in formal authorities watch the wire clip self fulfilling prophecy - when people see you as something and you begin to see yourself in the same way by labeling others as deviant, we create deviantssaints and roughnecks: adult careers were self fulfilling prophecy “the community’s confidence in the potential of the saints and the roughnecks apparently was justified. |
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Saint and the roughnecks |
saints are the good boys doing bad things, they can hide their deviant activities because of their socio economical status Roughnecks: bad boys perceptions influenced by: visibility, demeanour etc saints hid their deviance more (SES allowed them to), were polite, ect objectively: no difference in their behaviour |
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Labeling Theory |
master status - central traits that blind us to other characteristics of individual’s identity stigma: a “differentness” about someone is given negative evaluation by others distorts/discredits public identity of person may lead to adoption of self identity that incorporates negative social evaluation courtesy stigma - label / stigma applied because of association with stigmatized individual |
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Labeling Theory |
it was an offshoot of other theories labeling theory asked questions about crime and criminals from a new perspective, challenging previous definitions of deviance. those associated with labeling argued earlier theories had place too great a reliance on the individual deviant and neglected the variety of ways people could react to deviance the intellectual heritage of labeling reflected the chicago school’s symbolic interactionism ( summary of the perspective: people act toward things based on the meaning those things have for them, and these meanings are derived from social interaction and modified through interpretation) one of the first contributors of labeling, edwin lemert, took a symbolic interactionist approach and applied it to social pathologiesalso then added the idea of self fulfilling prophecy: it was a belief that many delinquents who may have started out as simply troubled youth felt that they might as well commit the offenses that they were going to be accused of, living up to one reputation becomes part of the adaptation of the teen who feels that he or she has few chances to become anything more. one of the central idea is that deviance is in the eye of the beholder, this is so because the members of various groups have different conceptions of what is right and proper in certain situations the labeling approach to deviance can be broken down into two parts: the problem of explaining how and why certain individuals get labeled and the effect of the label on subsequent deviant behaviour. Thus, the reaction to behaviour creates deviance |
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The four types of deviant behaviour |
Falsely accused: acts are those that either did not exist or were actually conforming, but the audience reacted as if the act were deviant Pure deviant: are acts those in which the perception matched the reality of the act Conforming: are acts those in which the perception matched the reality of the act Secret Deviant: acts in which deviance had indeed occurred but the audience either ignored the acts or had not reacted as if they were deviant |
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Primary Deviance |
the label may catch the attention of the labeling audience, causing the audience to watch and continue the labeling of the individual |
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Secondary Deviance |
the label may be internalized by the individual and lead to an acceptance of deviant self concept. |
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Courtesy Stigma |
labeling theorists were also concerned with the way deviant labels were applied to youth who associated with delinquent peers even if they had not themselves committed any offenses. This courtesy stigma, as goffman referred to it, meant that youth were cautioned to avoid this youth or that one because of the implied negative inferences from associating with someone who had already acquired a delinquent reputation. |
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Classification of the theory |
it is a processual theory it is a classical theory it is a structural theory conflict microtheory |
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Major points |
society is characterized by multiple values with differing degrees of overlap the quality of any individual behaviour is determined only by the application of values. The identification of a behaviour as deviant occurs through a reaction to that behaviour deviance is a quality of the reaction and is not intrinsic to the behaviour itself. if there is no reaction, there is no deviance one behavior is perceived by a social audience and labeled deviant, the individual who engaged in that behavior is also labeled deviant the process of reacting and labeling is more likely when those labeled are less socially powerful than their audience is. Thus, deviance is more commonly ascribed to the less powerful in society reactors (individuals, social groups, law enforcement agencies) tend to observe more closely those whom they have identified as deviants and therefore find even more deviance in those persons. subsequent acts are reacted to more quickly and the label more firmly affixed the audience view an individual, one labeled, as being what the label says he or she is. A person labeled as a criminal is perceived to be first and foremost a criminal; other attributes that are not covered by the label may be ignored In addition to becoming a deviant for the audience an individual may begin to accept the label as a self identity. Acceptance of the label depends on the strength of the individual's original self concept and the force of the labeling process a change in self concept results in an internalization of the deviant character, with all its attributes further deviant behaviour (secondary deviance) is a product of living and acting within the role of the deviant label often as part of a deviant subculture |
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Chapter 9 – Conflict Theory |
kind of similar to labeling theory it is cluster to theories |
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Conflict theories |
“societies are more appropriately characterized by conflict rather than by consensus pluralist version: society composed of different groups struggling to see their interests maintained (therefor conflict occurs) class conflict versions: two classes exist in society, both attempting to dominate, one with power and one without that conflict is a natural state of being conforming to the laws of society |
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Marxist Conflict theory |
where do inequalities come from? How does conflict arise? Economic organization of society, means of production, capitalism, owner (bourgeoisie) versus workers (proletariat) unique in approach of examining cause of conflict means of production changes over time - examine how classes relate to means of production (owners versus workers) today: manufacturing historically: farming, agrarian society |
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bourgeoisie (owners of production) |
maximize their power and interest to generate wealth criminalizes behaviour that interferes with pursuit of profit robbery, theft, illegal strikes, loitering laws that protect workers in way that maximizes profit potential of dominant class generates frustration, anger, disillusionment, alienation owners reap profit; workers receive nothing frustration builds and is expressed: towards other: assault, rape, family violence (those workers have power) towards self: alcoholism, drug addiction, suicide, mental illness (inward expression of frustration) is conflict inevitable in human history?capitalism and socialism marx felt there could be utopian society socialism: everybody shares wealth state owned property, and we are all the state; individuals work together to benefit society most conflict theorists believe conflict will always exist: groups in power may change, but power struggle is constant class struggle affects crime in three ways: the law is a tool of the ruling class all crime in capitalist system is the product of class struggle producing individualism and competition particular social relationships relating to the mode of production explain crime |
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Sellen - Cultural Conflict |
when culture is homogenous, values and norms are the same for all single set of rules are called “conduct norms” (focus is on “normative consensus”)dominant group in society translates its conduct norms into laws conflict occurs between different cultural or ethnic groups - groups which subscribe to different conduct norms the conduct norms that we adhere to are the ones that have the most power |
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Vold - group conflict |
groups in persistent struggle to preserve/advance their interests class groups, religions, gender, ages and language struggles occurs in legitimate forum; winning groups have more political support minority groups lack ability to influence legislature; their behaviour most often characterized as illegal |
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turks - Authorities and subjects |
society divided into two groups: those with power (“authorities”) and those without (“subjects”)some groups will have institutional authority and others will not institutional authority: the foundation of social division is whether or not a group possesses the power to control, through the institutional structure, the actions of others groups control can be exerted: (1) through physical force or (2) through legal images and living time (adjustment to new rules) interested in visible conflict ( petitions, riots, civil disobedience) |
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Quinney - Social reality of crime |
integrative theory: Differential association, social learning, labeling 6 propositions: crime is definition of human conduct that is created by authorized agents in a politically organized society criminal definitions describe behaviours that conflict with the interests of the segments of society that have the power to shape public policy criminal definitions are applied by segments of society that have the power to shape the environment and the administration of criminal law social segment different from small groups broad statistical aggregate containing persons similarly, disposed on certain characteristics such as age, sex, class, status, occupation, ethnicity, religion exploitation of disadvantaged over advantaged 4) behaviour patterns are structured in segmentally organized in relation to criminal definitions; and within this context persons engage in action that have relative probabilities of being defined as criminal deciding what acts becomes law violations depends on power and influence of segments engaging in them little power: more behaviours of members of 5) conceptions of crime are constructed and diffused in the segments of society by various means of communication6) the social reality of crime is constructed by the formulation and application of criminal definitions, the development of behaviour patterns related to criminal definitions, and the construction of criminal conceptions crime is created and communicated to promote a set of values and interests that benefit the powerful media represent image of crime (violent, increasing) which justifies modes of control as legitimate/desired |
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Radical Criminology |
chambliss and seidmen - marxist perspective stripped of references to capitalism |
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Four propositions: |
the condition of one’s life affect one’s values and norms complex societies are composed of groups with widely different life conditions and highly disparate and conflicting sets of norms the probability of a given groups having its particular normative system embodies in laws in not distributed equally but is closely related to the political and economic position of that group the higher a group’s political or economic position, the greater the probability that its views will be reflected in laws |
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Anarchist Criminology |
anarchists are opposed to hierarchies in all forms: jeff ferrell argues power/domination comes from:structures of knowledge (how we define things)perception (how we view something)understanding (how we understand it exists) |
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Vedio who is deviance and crime created or constructed?links to labeling theory?do you think that transgression is always a bad thing? |
crossing past boundaries no, it could be beneficial for society for the people that do not have the power to rise up |
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Social Control Theories |
why are you not a criminal? aspects of society that restrain, inhibit or regulate criminal behaviour includes: schools, family, peer groups, work situations, moral consciousness we all have the potential for deviance - weakening of social control - deviance |
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Control theories |
seek to explain why individual do not deviate from rules of society focuses on how various elements of society restrain individual engaging in crime and deviance two types of social controls: internal controls: developed through the socialization process early in life and appear intrinsic to the individual external controls: outside of the individuals (eg school) |
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Durkheim |
origins of control theory stem from emile durkheim boundary maintenance: deviance is normal; crimes serves purpose for social organism (Durkheim’s structural functionalism) behaviour controlled by social relation |
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Reckless - containment |
inner pushed: aggression, impulsivity, mental illness, defiance against authority, greed, feeling inferior / guilty outer pushes: Soical / economic inequalities, impoverishment, abuse, joblessness, peer pressure inner containment (personality): self control, self concept, sense of responsibility, resistance to diversion, well developed personality outer containment (social environment): Family/peer/school reinforcement of social values and norms, proper discipline and supervision, involvement in social activities, legitimate needs satisfaction |
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Ivan Nye: Family Ties |
family's role as socialization agent emphasized family as central social control mechanism inhibiting crime / delinquency children learn from parents values and norms governing acceptable social conduct criticism: focus on juvenile delinquents, unclear how applicable his idea are in the adult world internal control: internalizing social norms and values from parents, which regulates behaviour internally indirect control: not wanting to embarrass, hurt, disappoint or shame parents peers and others direct control: by establishing social and legal rules, law enforcement needs satisfaction: ensuring legitimate needs are met reduces likelihood of crime / deviance |
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Techniques of Neutralization |
sykes and matza control theory containing one proposition from sutherland's differential association proposition 4, related to learning ways of justifying / rationalizing our behaviour, and making ourselves feel better about situation denial of responsibility: Act result forces outside of one’s controli had to do it denial of injury: there was no harm caused they have insurance what one dvd to a store like walmart denial of victim: the offender retaliates against a victim they had it coming. she shouldn’t have talked back to me condemnation of the condemners: those disapproving of the act are hypocrites and are doing so out of spite everyone is on the take. If I don’t do it to them, they’ll do it to me appeal to higher loyalties: an act is done for the greater good or loyalties, regardless if it violated societal rules only coward back down. I have to feed by family. National security required this action |
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Hirschi: Social Bond theory |
people obey rules because they are tied to conventional society by social bonds conformity depends on the strength of bonds social bonds: the degree to which an individual is integrated into the values and institutions of the community inner controls: commitment and velide outer controls: attachment, involvement |
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inner controls |
belief: the conviction that social rules, laws, and values are legitimate and should be obeyed commitment: the degree to which an individual pursues conventional goals; how much an individual is invested in the activities of conventional society education, job, community reputation |
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outer controls |
attachment: the strength of affective personal ties to other individuals, groups, activities, institutions involvement: the degree to which a person is invested in the activities of conventional society “idle hands are the devil's helper” |
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Conflict theory: |
focus on the political nature of crime and examine the creation and application of criminal law conflict theories share one fundamental assumption: societies are more appropriately characterized by conflict rather than by consensus there are several varieties of conflict theoryit is an offshoot of labeling |
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Pluralistic Version |
suggest society is composed of a myriad of groups, varying in size, often temporary, all of which are struggling to see their interests are maintained in any of a number of issuespower threat theory: it falls under the pluralist conflict approach is one originally developed by hubert blalock, rather than argue the usual conflict point that wealth and class are the crucial ingredients in making of criminal laws, block suggested that it is race and national origin that are important |
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Class Conflict |
there are two classes are present in a society, both of which are attempting to dominate that society |
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Radical conflict perspective |
argued that the ruling class controls the resources of society and uses law as a means of control this classes, the lower classes are criminalized, and by encouraging a myth that law serves the interests of everyone, the lower classes join in their own control the criminal justice process favours the more powerful at the expense of the powerless |
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Marxist Criminology |
saw that conflict in society as being due to a scarcity of resources and historical inequality in the distribution of these resources, notably power this inequality creates a conflict of interest between those with and those without power (power was created thought owning and controlling land/private property) |
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Left realism |
the product of radical disenchantment with their ability to change and reform society and the exceedingly conservative direction of the ruling this version takes to heart the problem of translating radical ideas into realistic social policy and is similar to the grounded labeling theory proposed by Dario Melossi the central task of a realist criminology is to make the perspective of practical use to policymakers without losing its critical edgeboth macro and mic in an effort to demonstrate the effect of structural variable on processes that affect individuals |
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Anarchist Criminology |
they are opposed to hierarchies in all their forms views authorities as agents of domination, serving one or several groups at the expense of others anarchists then defy all forms of domination, whether political, patriarchal, religious, or other |
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Classification |
conflict oriented classical structural theory macro theory |
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Major points |
conflict is a fact of life; society is most appropriately characterized by conflict resources, both physical and social are scarce and therefore in demand. It is the attempt to control these resources that generates the major portion of conflict in society control of resources creates power and that power is used to maintain and expand the resource base of one group at the expense of other one a group achieves dominance over others, it seeks to use available societal mechanisms for its benefit to assure it remains dominant law is a social mechanism that provides the group in power with strong means |
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lecture 7: gender based theory |
men accounted 4 in 5 people for violent crime it is one of the factors that influence crime victimology: the females tend to be the victims of violent crime also look at the types of crimes that females commit is very different than men, why is that? |
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Feminist Theories |
looking at the difference between males and females, and why there is inequality, and that we live in a particle tical society central tenet: gender inequality and patriarchy patriarchal society: men treated as dominant class, women disadvantaged Turk would argue men “let” women believe they had “won” (perpetuates myth; retains idea of authorities and subjects) sexual revolution allowed *just* enough change; reality is no change occurred feminists argue similarly |
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Intersectionality |
class, race and gender all work together belief that oppression are interlinked and together reducing inequality in all forms if we take out one over the other, we are not reducing the inequality it is way of approaching it, that you need to think of all the inequality that is present |
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Liberal Feminists |
believe in the concept is meritocracy (that the achieve is based on hard work, put in the most effort and succeed) the tamest of the feminists possible to work in the system and make some changes within the criminal justice system women deserve equal treatment |
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Marxist Feminist |
can not use the existing system, need a revolution to have change gender inequality rooted in class inequality; gender second to class according to MF Broader revolution necessary for change women drawn to crime in an effort to support themselves and children, thing to get ahead in the capitalist society, this explain why women commit more property crime naive to believe that change can occur with revolution female crime is either 1) threat to current economic organization of society ) threat to sexual division of labour close to an intersectional approach |
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Radical Feminists |
Female autonomy: dont need men to survive liberation, need to free yourself from the particolcal society the only way to have change, separation between gender cut men out of our lives inequality in the other way?? the only way to change is to create a world for women by women believe liberation can result lower female crime rates and even cause decrease in female victimization rate |
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Socialist Feminists |
oppression stems from patriarchal capitalist system; social organization structured by gender Criminality is product of class based system relationship to production: males produce goods; females reproduce examines social roles and gender based division of labour within family - both significant source of women's subordination in society |
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Postmodern Feminists |
Gender is the critical issue; crime is secondary Gender is a social construct to what it means in a culture to be masculine or feminine Sex biological trait indicative of genital differences between males and females Gender roles important when considering illegality; meaning will shift depending on role (mother, worker, child, sister, wife) gender part is key |
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Example of women theorist |
daly and chesney-lin: when we look at gender differences in crime, suggest that crime may not be normal after all why are some people push towards crime and other are not identify 5 elements of feminist thought that set it apart from other social and political thought: gender is not a natural fact, but a complex social, historical and cultural product how we define our gender in our society then create the crime: masculinity and aggression gender is not a natural fact, but a complex social, historical and cultural product gender and gender relations order social life and social institutions in fundamental ways (family, school, elementary vs secondary teachers) gender relations and constructs of masculinity and femininity are based on patriarchy and androcentrism systems of knowledge reflect men's views of social and natural world; production of knowledge is gendered (crime understood by studying men specifically, the small group of men who commit crimes) women should be at the centre, not the periphery; they should not be treated as appendages |
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Example |
evelyn sommers: interview with women canadian inmates in medium security interviews with female inmates in canadian medium security prison 4 common themes explaining criminality of women: economic and financial need (stealing because they had to)drug involvement (feeling a lot of strain, taking and dealing)personal anger rooted in sexual and physical abuse or a sense of loss (they had no escape to get out) fear (many were fearful that if that did not do these criminal ack that they might be killed) |
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Example |
“need” identified as a cause by many interviewed conclusions: “women’s criminality based on two underlying issues effort to maintain connection within relationship (eg mother and there child) personal quest or empowerment (eg single mothers independent and capable of providing for child) |
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Contributions of feminists theory |
critique of mainstream sociology of deviance as “androcentric” and “add women” approach studies on about men; generalized to women 2) women as victims women's connection is often as victim 3) women as offenders understand victimology but also the need women experiences 4) women and the criminal justice system feeling re victimized by the system |
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Babies behind bars |
women are men are different; criminal justice system acknowledge this |
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Gender based theory |
the perspective is largely based on a view of a patriarchal society that empowers males in virtually all social interaction that matters most important is that males fails to understand the importance of gender and sex roles in society |
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Paternalism |
male based power relations are central to understanding the way we define and study crime the roots of patriarchal power in our social system are dominant enough to explain why women are more likely to be victimized in the home, and by friends and intimates, than outside the home and by strangers |
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Chivalry |
the notion of chivalry is tied up with old conceptions of men doing things for women and of course is one way in which paternalism can be practiced chivalry implies attitudes towards female offenders may account for differential processing in the criminal justice system it exist within the criminal justice system |
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Sexism |
it refers to attitudes or practices having the effect of producing inequality between the sexes |
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Liberation and opportunity |
liberation/masculinity perspectives argue that as the gender gap narrows, the behavior, both legitimate and illegitimate, of women and men will become more alike |
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economic Marginalization |
argues that it is the absence of real meaningful opportunities for women that leads to increase in crime. despit the strides made by some women in some areas of the business market, the majority of women remain underemployed and underpaid. This is centrated in a “pink collar ghetto” where pay is low and work is unrewarding. |
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Gender Based Theories of criminality |
unlike theories explaining only female criminality, gender - based use the role of gender in explaining criminal and delinquent behavior of both males and females |
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Power Control Theory |
the work of john hagan and colleagues in structural criminology brings together a conflict oriented theory with social control versions of family relationships to present a “power control” theory and delinquency. |
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Broader Constructions of power |
in contrast to hagan’s emphasis on parents as power “brokers”, others interpret power relationships more broadly to include a wider variety of social practices, motivation, and needs that define gender including surviving tragedy and hardship making friends, and experiencing sexual intimacy. |
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Liberal Feminism |
it focuses on gender discrimination and women's liberation the general notion was that females deserve equal treatment in the criminal justice system |
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Radical Feminism |
the rise of radical feminist criminology is a product of two factors: the emergent radical criminology and a critique of liberal feminism its primary focus is on the way in which power is constructed and dominated by males in society |
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Marxist Feminism |
in keeping with the general marist position, marxist feminists see the capitalist system as exploiting subordinate groups (often based on race and gender) for capital production (profit) the emphasis on production and labor in marxist thought results in a feminist focus on the sexaul divsion of labor positions with little value and low occupational status |
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Socialist Feminism |
uniting radical and marxist principles, socialist feminism identifies the oppression of women as a symptom of the patriarchal capitalist system it considers criminality to be a product of the class based system, and its discussions of female criminality are usually confined to property crimes |
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Postmodern Feminism |
the most recent of the feminist perspective postmodernism shares with other non feminist versions an examination of meanings in this case of gender within the criminological framework gender is the critical issue and crime is a secondary problem |
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Classification of the Perspective |
structural theories conflict oriented |
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Lecture 8: Conflict and control theories |
kind of similar to labeling theory it is cluster to theories |
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Conflict theories |
“societies are more appropriately characterized by conflict rather than by consensus pluralist version: society composed of different groups struggling to see their interests maintained (therefor conflict occurs) class conflict versions: two classes exist in society, both attempting to dominate, one with power and one without that conflict is a natural state of being conforming to the laws of society |
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Marxist Conflict theory |
where do inequalities come from? How does conflict arise? Economic organization of society, means of production, capitalism, owner (bourgeoisie) versus workers (proletariat) unique in approach of examining cause of conflict means of production changes over time - examine how classes relate to means of production (owners versus workers) today: manufacturing historically: farming, agrarian society |
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bourgeoisie (owners of production) |
maximize their power and interest to generate wealth criminalizes behaviour that interferes with pursuit of profit robbery, theft, illegal strikes, loitering laws that protect workers in way that maximizes profit potential of dominant class generates frustration, anger, disillusionment, alienation owners reap profit; workers receive nothing frustration builds and is expressed: towards other: assault, rape, family violence (those workers have power) towards self: alcoholism, drug addiction, suicide, mental illness (inward expression of frustration) is conflict inevitable in human history?capitalism and socialism marx felt there could be utopian society socialism: everybody shares wealth state owned property, and we are all the state; individuals work together to benefit society most conflict theorists believe conflict will always exist: groups in power may change, but power struggle is constant class struggle affects crime in three ways: the law is a tool of the ruling class all crime in capitalist system is the product of class struggle producing individualism and competition particular social relationships relating to the mode of production explain crime |
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Sellen - Cultural Conflict |
when culture is homogenous, values and norms are the same for all single set of rules are called “conduct norms” (focus is on “normative consensus”)dominant group in society translates its conduct norms into laws conflict occurs between different cultural or ethnic groups - groups which subscribe to different conduct norms the conduct norms that we adhere to are the ones that have the most power |
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Vold - group conflict |
groups in persistent struggle to preserve/advance their interests class groups, religions, gender, ages and language struggles occurs in legitimate forum; winning groups have more political support minority groups lack ability to influence legislature; their behaviour most often characterized as illegal |
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turks - Authorities and subjects |
society divided into two groups: those with power (“authorities”) and those without (“subjects”)some groups will have institutional authority and others will not institutional authority: the foundation of social division is whether or not a group possesses the power to control, through the institutional structure, the actions of others groups control can be exerted: (1) through physical force or (2) through legal images and living time (adjustment to new rules) interested in visible conflict ( petitions, riots, civil disobedience) |
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Quinney - Social reality of crime |
integrative theory: Differential association, social learning, labeling 6 propositions: crime is definition of human conduct that is created by authorized agents in a politically organized society criminal definitions describe behaviours that conflict with the interests of the segments of society that have the power to shape public policy criminal definitions are applied by segments of society that have the power to shape the environment and the administration of criminal law social segment different from small groups broad statistical aggregate containing persons similarly, disposed on certain characteristics such as age, sex, class, status, occupation, ethnicity, religion exploitation of disadvantaged over advantaged 4) behaviour patterns are structured in segmentally organized in relation to criminal definitions; and within this context persons engage in action that have relative probabilities of being defined as criminal deciding what acts becomes law violations depends on power and influence of segments engaging in them little power: more behaviours of members of 5) conceptions of crime are constructed and diffused in the segments of society by various means of communication6) the social reality of crime is constructed by the formulation and application of criminal definitions, the development of behaviour patterns related to criminal definitions, and the construction of criminal conceptions crime is created and communicated to promote a set of values and interests that benefit the powerful media represent image of crime (violent, increasing) which justifies modes of control as legitimate/desired |
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Radical Criminology |
chambliss and seidmen - marxist perspective stripped of references to capitalism |
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Four propositions: |
the condition of one’s life affect one’s values and norms complex societies are composed of groups with widely different life conditions and highly disparate and conflicting sets of norms the probability of a given groups having its particular normative system embodies in laws in not distributed equally but is closely related to the political and economic position of that group the higher a group’s political or economic position, the greater the probability that its views will be reflected in laws |
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Anarchist Criminology |
anarchists are opposed to hierarchies in all forms: jeff ferrell argues power/domination comes from:structures of knowledge (how we define things)perception (how we view something)understanding (how we understand it exists) |
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Vedio who is deviance and crime created or constructed?links to labeling theory?do you think that transgression is always a bad thing? |
crossing past boundaries no, it could be beneficial for society for the people that do not have the power to rise up |
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Social Control Theories |
why are you not a criminal? aspects of society that restrain, inhibit or regulate criminal behaviour includes: schools, family, peer groups, work situations, moral consciousness we all have the potential for deviance - weakening of social control - deviance |
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Control theories |
seek to explain why individual do not deviate from rules of society focuses on how various elements of society restrain individual engaging in crime and deviance two types of social controls: internal controls: developed through the socialization process early in life and appear intrinsic to the individual external controls: outside of the individuals (eg school) |
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Durkheim |
origins of control theory stem from emile durkheim boundary maintenance: deviance is normal; crimes serves purpose for social organism (Durkheim’s structural functionalism) behaviour controlled by social relation |
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Reckless - containment |
inner pushed: aggression, impulsivity, mental illness, defiance against authority, greed, feeling inferior / guilty outer pushes: Soical / economic inequalities, impoverishment, abuse, joblessness, peer pressure inner containment (personality): self control, self concept, sense of responsibility, resistance to diversion, well developed personality outer containment (social environment): Family/peer/school reinforcement of social values and norms, proper discipline and supervision, involvement in social activities, legitimate needs satisfaction |
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Ivan Nye: Family Ties |
family's role as socialization agent emphasized family as central social control mechanism inhibiting crime / delinquency children learn from parents values and norms governing acceptable social conduct criticism: focus on juvenile delinquents, unclear how applicable his idea are in the adult world internal control: internalizing social norms and values from parents, which regulates behaviour internally indirect control: not wanting to embarrass, hurt, disappoint or shame parents peers and others direct control: by establishing social and legal rules, law enforcement needs satisfaction: ensuring legitimate needs are met reduces likelihood of crime / deviance |
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Techniques of Neutralization |
sykes and matza control theory containing one proposition from sutherland's differential association proposition 4, related to learning ways of justifying / rationalizing our behaviour, and making ourselves feel better about situation denial of responsibility: Act result forces outside of one’s controli had to do it denial of injury: there was no harm caused they have insurance what one dvd to a store like walmart denial of victim: the offender retaliates against a victim they had it coming. she shouldn’t have talked back to me condemnation of the condemners: those disapproving of the act are hypocrites and are doing so out of spite everyone is on the take. If I don’t do it to them, they’ll do it to me appeal to higher loyalties: an act is done for the greater good or loyalties, regardless if it violated societal rules only coward back down. I have to feed by family. National security required this action |
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Hirschi: Social Bond theory |
people obey rules because they are tied to conventional society by social bonds conformity depends on the strength of bonds social bonds: the degree to which an individual is integrated into the values and institutions of the community inner controls: commitment and velide outer controls: attachment, involvement |
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inner controls |
belief: the conviction that social rules, laws, and values are legitimate and should be obeyed commitment: the degree to which an individual pursues conventional goals; how much an individual is invested in the activities of conventional society education, job, community reputation |
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outer controls |
attachment: the strength of affective personal ties to other individuals, groups, activities, institutions involvement: the degree to which a person is invested in the activities of conventional society “idle hands are the devil's helper” |
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Social Control Theory |
refers to any perspective that discusses the control of human behavior among their various forms, such theories include explanations based on genetics, neurochemistry, sociobiology, personality and environmental design social control theories attribute crime and delinquency to the usual sociological variables (family structure, education, and peer groups for example) thus their approach is different from other control theories |
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Durkheim Social Control Theory |
theories of social control all rely on social factors to explain how people are restrained from acting in ways harmful to others the earliest explanation of this approach was that of durkheim. He said a society will always have a certain number of deviants and deviance is really a normal phenomenon by examining various societies around the world, Durkheim concluded every society has crime, if that is so then crime must serve a function in society. Any society without crime and deviance is by definition abnormal further deviance assists in maintaining social order because there are vague moral boundaries that define which acts are allowed and which are disapproved |
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Personality - Oriented Social Control Theories |
he said delinquency would result from any or all of the following 1) a lack of proper internal controls developed during childhood; 2) a breakdown of those internal controls; and/ or 3) an absence of, pr conflict in, social rules provided by important social groups (the family, close others, the school)these factors have been used, in whole or in part, by almost every social control theorist writing since then the first point is the essential ingredient in what is probably today's most popular theory, low self control, by gottfredson and hirschi the second point is used by a wide range of social control theorists (and others) who discuss the personal result of pressures and strains on people the third one is essentially the entire position of hirschi's social control theory |
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Containment Theory |
this theory, referred to as containment theory, explains delinquency as the interplay between two forms of control: internal (inner) and external (outer) reckless expressly saw his theory as an explanation of both conformity and deviance at the same time, he did not claim containment theory explained all forms of deviance; indeed, following the example of robert merton, he referred to as a middle range theory he excluded behavior resulting from inner pushes (psychoses, personality disorders, compulsion) and from the playing of expected roles (subcultural dictates, certain forms of culture conflict, and organized crime)emphasizing inner containment, reckless said a self concept exist in people and is formed when they are quite young. This self concept provides either a “good” or a “bad” image of the self and acts as a buffer to outside influences. if the self concept were bad, outer social controls would have little effect on the individual and delinquency would be more likely to results |
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Social Bonding Theories |
proposed that one becomes “free” for delinquent acts through the use of techniques of neutralization these techniques allow individuals to neutralize and temporarily suspend their commitment to societal values, thus providing the freedom to commit delinquent acts 5 forms of neutralization 1) denial of responsibility 2) denial of injury 3) denial of the victim 4) condemnation of the condemners 5) appeal to higher loyalties |
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Hirschi's social control theory |
rather than seeing individuals as deviant or conforming, he believed behavior reflect varying degrees or morality he argued that power of internalized norms, conscience, and the desire for approval encourage conventional behaviour he argued that the power of internalized norms, conscience, and the desire for approval encourage conventional behaviour |
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Classification |
positivist theories process theory microtheorietcal |
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Summary |
self preservation and gratification are characteristic of human nature; therefore, human behaviour tends to be self interested human behavior must be restrained and regulated for the benefit of all the rules and regulation for living in a society constitute a moral order humans are bound to the moral order beginning with childhood socialization and later through the institutions of society the bond to the moral order is composed of elements that maintain and strengthen conformity The elements of the bond include attachment to important others and institutions, commitment to or investment in conventional society, involvement in conventional activities, and belief in societal values these elements are present in varying degrees, to the extent they may become weak, or are absent, individuals have more freedom to pursue self interested and deviant behaviour |
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Neoclassical Theory |
1970’s reflected individuality and responsibilitiesreturn to classical school: Rational humans, deterrence punishment rational choice theory, routine activities theory, lifestyle theory, situational choice theory called “choice” or “opportunity” theories |
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Rational Choice Theory |
individuals make a conscious, rational and at least partially informed choice to commit crime Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) / decision making Involvement Decisions: Choice of whether or not to get involved, continue or withdraw from offence important in CBA; decisions can take timeevent decisions: made during process of undertaking crime rational choices are events specific (type of event: burglary vs murder; specific event: rob person or let them pass); quick decisions crime will decrease when opportunities are limited, benefits reduced and costs increased (few choices) the wire First: Omar and night crew prepping (rational/involvement decisions) individuals are generally rational, potential criminals if they think they can get away with it individual are generally rational, potential criminals if they think they can get away with it how does this demonstrate rational choice theory? Bounded Rationality: Judgement/decisions clouded by perception, prior knowledge, lack of knowledge omar’s judgement clouded by hatred for “barksdale crew”; weren’t aware of how much weaponry in house |
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Rational Choice Theory |
studies have demonstrated that informal factors are more important variable in CBA Internal informal factors: Shame, loss of self esteem external informal factors: how friend, family, employers would respond females more influenced by effects of shame than males influence of peers: seeing peers get away with crimes decreases perceived risk of punishment |
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Routine Activities theory |
Amount of Criminal offences directly related to nature of patterns of social interaction As interactions change, so do the number of crimes (eg technology) pursuits of routine activities in everyday life: work, fun, housing, sleeping, shopping etc. Emphasizes that individuals rarely leave home planning to commit crimes (hydraulic offenders); instead influenced by presence of 3 factors 3 necessary components for crime / victimization: motivated offender: focus of many other theories; not much concern suitable target: something worth stealing/taking, target must be vulnerable absence of capable Guardian: Nobody/ nothing to stop crime when this all comes together this is called hot spots hot spots: places in which these 3 elements converge in time and place if one of 3 components is missing then is crime is not likely to happen if all components converge, or one is really strong, then probability of crime increase |
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Hot spots |
high convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, lack of guardianship Sherman, Gartin, Buerger (1989) study of 911 calls in minneapolis, minnesota 50.4% of all calls went to 3.3% of all places Top 5% of locations had ~ 24 calls each (ave: 1 every 2 weeks) ½ of top 10 places from which police were called were bars or places where alcohol were served other places in top 10: bus depots, convenience stores, rundown motels and hotels, downtown malls, strip malls |
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Routine Activities theory |
suitable victims found in some areas more than other due to routine activities work/daycare/school: empty house societal changes (eg more women in workforce) leads to increase in suitable even if there is not an increase of motivated offenders, there is an increase in other variables: therefore more crime |
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Routine Activities Theory |
certain individuals / locations more susceptible than others theory of both victimization and offending People avoid “hot spots” which increases absence of guardians; individuals in area defined as suitable victims modern application: GPS tracking; geographic profiling identify exact location of crimes in jurisdiction cluster of area that are then hotspot |
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Comments |
that people are sceptical, that people are very fearful we don’t see a lot of violent crime |
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Lifestyle Theory |
question: Why are some people at greater risk of victimization? A: patterned activity/lifestyles lifestyles influenced by: social roles: some people’s lifestyles more conducive to victimization position in social structures: higher position, lower the risk “rational component”: decisions about behaviour Victimization somewhat predictable interaction with people, places and times conducive to crime increases victimization risk risks can be increased or decreased by lifestyle decisions made victimization: routine use of isolated ATM at night > person who stays home choices of victims and criminals contribute to frequency and type of criminal activity |
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Situational Choice Theory |
type of rational choice theory examines opportunities, costs, benefits and soft determinism soft determinism - behaviour results from choices made within context of situational constraints and opportunities |
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Policy Implications |
punishment: offenders are responsible and should be punished three strikes rule: deterrence has potential to increase crime, “if i am going to jail anyways just do whatever” public shaming (wearing signs, posting pictures)victims: proactive and reactive programs to reduce risk social programs: Choices program - cognitive skills development environment: increasing capable guardians, CPTED, target hardening Target Hardening - reduction in criminal opportunity for particular location, usually through physical barriers, architectural design, enhanced security, related to situational prevention |
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Target Hardening |
natural access control natural surveillance territoriality maintenance defensible space formal organized surveillance |
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Situational Prevention |
examines context of particular crimes; changes physical organizational and social environment that makes crime possible shoplifting (stores and not homes); domestic disturbance / family disputes (homes) high crime places - unlike high crime people - can’t flee to avoid intervention situational crime control - remove or reduce opportunity |
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Criticisms of rational choice theories |
overemphasis on individual choice what about social factors? poverty, poor home environment, inadequate socialization etc. example: moriarty and williams - routine activities explained 28% of property crimes in high crime (socially disorganized) area; only 11% in low crime area |
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Criticisms of rational choice theories |
emphasis on changing situational aspect can displace crime displacement - shifting criminal activity from one spatial location to another example: school violence example: SIMS/ police station it is getting displaced |
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Cultural Criminology |
opposes rational choice theories emphasized emotions > rationality examines “the foreground of crime:what is happening right now” instead of “background of crime”: everything that person is, like age race and gender how impulsive |
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Case study: Columbine |
on april 20th, 1999, two students of columbine high school (dylan klebold and eric harris) murdered 12 students and 1 teacher before taking their own lives. It was one of the largest school shooting in history. use the theories to explainlabeling theory: that the were labeled (bullying) and then secondary deviance durkheim anomaly: no sense of purpose rational choice: the weighed the pros and cons and thought this was the best way to solve their problems strain theory: they could not fit the image of “high school” so they found other meansdifferential association: they were friends with people that taught them how to use guns and thingssocial bonding: they did not have strong attachment to others, skipping class, internalized the anti social belief social learning theory: they modeled after the media, marilyn manson**there can be on one theory that can explain why columbine happened**** |
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Integration theories |
theories do not exist in vacuums integration come in multiple ways:end to end model: macor then middle then micro fully integrated model: concepts borrowed, put together in new way some argue against integration (eg hirschi) and instead for development of new theories “an integrated model depicts the multiple etiological paths of juvenile delinquency. such a model incorporates dimensions of the social structure and the social process representing the social environment and social interaction” (edwards) combinations of theories used: social control + strain + social learning + labeling social control + deterrence routine activities theory + low self control |
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integrating theories: |
increases explanatory power of model avoids inherent biases; theoretical components arranged to complement each other allows researcher to more closely examine relationship between variables can outline sequential and developmental stages of delinquency aultman and wellford (1979): integrated models will increase ability to understand variation in delinquency calvin and pauly (1983): integration will provide etiological explanation of delinquency involving qualitative and quantitative methods when we put these things together we have much more explanatory power |
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Edwards (1992) |
“predicting juvenile delinquency: A review of correlates and a confirmation by recent research based on integrated theoretical model”: justice quarterly integrated framework should focus on: (1) individual’s social environment; (2) personal characteristics (internal and external); (3) several circumstances that occur simultaneously “an integrated model ought to be inclusive; it should test propositions and position variable so as to produce a more comprehensive explanation. When theories are integrated an elaboration is formed; a fuller explanation is the goal” (p.576) |
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Conger: |
social control and social learning = by combining notions, the groundwork for a stronger theory is developed; social learning enhances the social control theory; otherwise the later is more incomplete than correct eve: anomie, culture conflict and social control = all three theories have some significant explanatory power; social control manifested the greatest explanatory power Simons, miller and aigner: differential association, anomie, social control and ladeling= popular theories of criminal deviance are as applicable to young women as to young men Rankin and wells: social control, social learning and child development - punishment had an adverse impact on delinquency; week attachment and frequent severe punishment had an additive adverse effect on delinquency; little support for delinquency and child development interaction effect |
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Edwards (1992) |
anomie and strainfrustration (about education or occupation) would cause individual to experience strain/anomie social control hirschi’s social bonding (attachment, involvement, commitment, belief) wrapped up in frustration/strain differential association “... the model demonstrates that an impoverished social environment and the lack of a strong social bond to a conventional or moralistic segment of society allow the individual to interact, sometime intimately, with persons who possess similar attitudes and have experienced similar fates” labeling “according to the model constructed so far, the juvenile has experienced or presently is in an anomic state, is subject to little social control, and is developing or has established relations with delinquent peers, thus increasing his or her chance of participating in illegal activities. His interactions, relationship and attitudes are redefined as a result of this labelling process” |
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findings: |
anomie, social control and differential association play substantial roles in explanation of delinquency cannot capture entire process that leads one to become delinquent labelling theory aids in analysis, but measurement is difficult |
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Why do we need theory? |
help us answer why?why do some people commit crime while other do not? Why do some places have higher crime rates than others?help us understand what are the causes of crime, so we can predict what might happen in future individual level / group level help us understand how people view and respond to others’ behaviour guides policy - helps us to control crime |
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Rational Theories |
the closet theory to include such a criterion was david matza’s drift theory, which introduced the “will” as a predisposing factor in the decision to commit deviance matza did not mean to convey, however, that the individual had free will and made a calculated, rational decision to commit a delinquent act indeed, it is significant that mata referred to the theory as “soft determinism” rather than as discussing crime, and with their usual approach to behavior, assumed criminal make a rational decision to commit crime borrowing from the economic approach, today's rational choice theorists talk in terms of opportunities, cost, and benefits when discussing offenders decisions to commit crimes |
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Routine Activities Theory |
the routine activities perspective advanced by larry cohen and marcus felson initially viewed as a very practical look at crime, gained popularity, and become a staple of the 1980’s one reason for its popularity was the easy connection with the burgeoning interest in victimology and a new ecological crime prevention approach routine activity theory basically stated that the volume of criminal offenses is related to the nature or everyday patterns of social interaction as the pattern of social interaction changes, so does the number of crimes three major areas of focus for a predatory criminal even or, perhaps more appropriately, a victimization event. first they said there must be a motivated offender second, they speculated there must be a suitable target, that is something worth stealing or taking or that has the appearance of worth third, they said there must be an absence of capable guardian: no one present who could prevent the occurrence of crime |
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Lifestyle Theory |
the question of risk is central to the theoretical perspective developed by michael hindelang et al in short they wanted to know why certain groups of people are at greater risk of being victims of crime than otherthier answer is that patterned activity, or lifestyle, of individuals lead to differential victimization rates these lifestyles are characterized by daily functions involving both work and leisure activities lifestyles are influenced by three basic elements. First, the social roles played by people in society. based on the expectations of others, people conduct themselves in certain ways and construct lifestyles more or less conductive to victimization the second element is position in the social structure, generally the higher one's position, the lower the risk of victimization - largely because of the kind of activities in which one engages and the places one frequents the third element is a “rational component”, in which decisions are made about which behaviors are desirable |
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The Rational CHoice Perspective |
explains offender motivation to crime as an attempt to meet commonplace needs rationality is the decision-making process of determining the opportunities for meeting those needs, the potential costs of action, and the anticipated benefits rational choice theories separate decision making into two different areas: involvement decisions and event decisions involvement decisions are those in which the choice is made to become involved in an offense, continue with an offense, or withdrawn from an offense the other form of decisions making, event decisions, is that in which the tactics of carrying out an offense (the demands placed on the offender) are determined |
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Classification |
classical consensus oriented process oriented micro theoretical |
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major points |
human lives in a world in which behaving is partially determined and partially free will social structures and institutions create the conditions of life for individuals in society conditions of life are the chief determinants of social interaction between people in society and the social activities in which those people engage social interactions and activities create generalized lifestyle, or routine activities, for groups in society. Those lifestyles are more conducive to some pursuits, and less so to others to the exten crime occurs in society, lifestyles are a critical element in placing people at risk of victimization and in generating needs that offenders wish to satisfy asa changers in society produce changes in lifestyles, the general risk of victimization and probability of offending change accordingly individuals may introduce variation into their general victimization risk through conscious decisions to follow or avoid certain activities and area. Similarly, offenders may increase or decrease their opportunities and coast those individuals who make lifestyles choices with increased exposure are increasing their risk of victimization by enhancing the cost benefit gains of potential offenders human lives in a world in which behaving is partially determined and partially free will social structures and institutions create the conditions of life for individuals in society conditions of life are the chief determinants of social interaction between people in society and the social activities in which those people engage social interactions and activities create generalized lifestyle, or routine activities, for groups in society. Those lifestyles are more conducive to some pursuits, and less so to others to the exten crime occurs in society, lifestyles are a critical element in placing people at risk of victimization and in generating needs that offenders wish to satisfy asa changers in society produce changes in lifestyles, the general risk of victimization and probability of offending change accordingly individuals may introduce variation into their general victimization risk through conscious decisions to follow or avoid certain activities and area. Similarly, offenders may increase or decrease their opportunities and coast those individuals who make lifestyles choices with increased exposure are increasing their risk of victimization by enhancing the cost benefit gains of potential offenders |
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Chapter 15 – Contemporary Integrative and Critical TheoriesIntegrative Theories Case study: Columbine |
on april 20th, 1999, two students of columbine high school (dylan klebold and eric harris) murdered 12 students and 1 teacher before taking their own lives. It was one of the largest school shooting in history. use the theories to explainlabeling theory: that the were labeled (bullying) and then secondary deviance durkheim anomaly: no sense of purpose rational choice: the weighed the pros and cons and thought this was the best way to solve their problems strain theory: they could not fit the image of “high school” so they found other meansdifferential association: they were friends with people that taught them how to use guns and thingssocial bonding: they did not have strong attachment to others, skipping class, internalized the anti social belief social learning theory: they modeled after the media, marilyn manson**there can be on one theory that can explain why columbine happened**** Integration theories theories do not exist in vacuums integration come in multiple ways:end to end model: macor then middle then micro fully integrated model: concepts borrowed, put together in new way some argue against integration (eg hirschi) and instead for development of new theories “an integrated model depicts the multiple etiological paths of juvenile delinquency. such a model incorporates dimensions of the social structure and the social process representing the social environment and social interaction” (edwards) combinations of theories used: social control + strain + social learning + labeling social control + deterrence routine activities theory + low self control |
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integrating theories: |
increases explanatory power of model avoids inherent biases; theoretical components arranged to complement each other allows researcher to more closely examine relationship between variables can outline sequential and developmental stages of delinquency aultman and wellford (1979): integrated models will increase ability to understand variation in delinquency calvin and pauly (1983): integration will provide etiological explanation of delinquency involving qualitative and quantitative methods when we put these things together we have much more explanatory power |
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Edwards (1992) |
“predicting juvenile delinquency: A review of correlates and a confirmation by recent research based on integrated theoretical model”: justice quarterly integrated framework should focus on: (1) individual’s social environment; (2) personal characteristics (internal and external); (3) several circumstances that occur simultaneously “an integrated model ought to be inclusive; it should test propositions and position variable so as to produce a more comprehensive explanation. When theories are integrated an elaboration is formed; a fuller explanation is the goal” (p.576) |
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Conger: |
social control and social learning = by combining notions, the groundwork for a stronger theory is developed; social learning enhances the social control theory; otherwise the later is more incomplete than correct eve: anomie, culture conflict and social control = all three theories have some significant explanatory power; social control manifested the greatest explanatory power Simons, miller and aigner: differential association, anomie, social control and ladeling= popular theories of criminal deviance are as applicable to young women as to young men Rankin and wells: social control, social learning and child development - punishment had an adverse impact on delinquency; week attachment and frequent severe punishment had an additive adverse effect on delinquency; little support for delinquency and child development interaction effect |
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Edwards (1992) |
anomie and strainfrustration (about education or occupation) would cause individual to experience strain/anomie social control hirschi’s social bonding (attachment, involvement, commitment, belief) wrapped up in frustration/strain differential association “... the model demonstrates that an impoverished social environment and the lack of a strong social bond to a conventional or moralistic segment of society allow the individual to interact, sometime intimately, with persons who possess similar attitudes and have experienced similar fates” labeling “according to the model constructed so far, the juvenile has experienced or presently is in an anomic state, is subject to little social control, and is developing or has established relations with delinquent peers, thus increasing his or her chance of participating in illegal activities. His interactions, relationship and attitudes are redefined as a result of this labelling process” |
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findings: |
anomie, social control and differential association play substantial roles in explanation of delinquency cannot capture entire process that leads one to become delinquent labelling theory aids in analysis, but measurement is difficult |
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Why do we need theory? |
help us answer why?why do some people commit crime while other do not? Why do some places have higher crime rates than others?help us understand what are the causes of crime, so we can predict what might happen in future individual level / group level help us understand how people view and respond to others’ behaviour guides policy - helps us to control crime |
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Contemporary integrative and critical theories |
not looking at things separately but integrated |
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Chambliss, W.J. “The Saints and the Roughnecks”. Society 11(1): 24-31. |
What are the major differences between the Saints and the Roughnecks? What are the similarities?the siat were more upper class, they also got better grades and were thought of as good kinds, they did not do their crimes in the neighborhood they left the roughnecks were lower class and were seen a bad kinds and most people in the group did not do well in school Why are the groups treated differently despite the similarities in their behaviours?this is so because of how they were perceived; labeling theory How do we see a “self-fulfilling prophecy” come to light with these young men?that the kids that were seen as bad and not going to succeed then did not were as the saints who were seen as good kids did succeed because they thought |
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Cromwell, P., Parker, Lee., & Mobley, S. 2010. “The Five-Finger Discount: An Analysis of Motivations for Shoplifting”. Pp. 90-108 in In Their Own Words: Criminals on Crime, by Paul Cromwell, Ed. New York: Oxford University Press. |
How does Rational Choice theory explain shoplifting? How can it explain other criminal behaviours?that shoplifters often weigh the pros and cons of shopliftingthat is helps to explain why people commit crimeWhat are the common motivations for shoplifting?"I Wanted the ltem(s) but Didn't Want to Pay for It" it Was Peer Pressure""I Steal for a Living" I Wanted the ltem(s) and Could Not Afford It""I Don't Know Why. It Was Just an Impulse" "I Was Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol" "I Enjoy the Thrill/Excitement/Rush/Danger" "I Can't Help Myself. It's Compulsive" "I Was Under a Lot of Stress" 3) How can other theories, like differential association and labeling theory be used to explain the same behaviours?labeling people as shoplifters ma then make them do that behavior more How can shoplifting be explained as an adaptation to strain (e.g. Merton’s strain theory)?because of their lack of legitimate opportunities to get the things that they want they might steal more things |
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Best, B.L., Wodahl, E.J., & Holmes, M.D. 2014. Waiving Away the Chance of Freedom: Exploring Why Prisoners Decide Against Applying for Parole. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 58(3): 320-347. |
How can participating in the parole process aid inmates, even when they are denial parole?- they help with life skills and rehabilitation, it help with recidivism - The reason for their inquiry is that the parole process is seen as one that helps inmates to plan for their eventual return to the community, it helps to increase offender motivation to participate in programming, and it has been shown to decrease the offender's likelihood of returning to prison. These are all good outcomes from the program but there is still a very low percentage of the prison population who take advantage of this opportunity. 2) What are some of the common reasons inmates waive parole consideration? - they do not think that they will get though, this was very much there main conserve - as well, many were also feel very scared about leaving 3) What are the differences between outcome waivers and process waivers?- outcome: is the decision process: it is then applying for parole 4)What do Best et al present as the two basic premises about human action and decision making that are the underpinnings of Rational Choice Theory?- This is a rational way of weighing the benefits and costs of participating; there is a lot of effort that is needed to succeed in order to gain parole and the benefits are less clear from their perspective. |
