Deviance and Social Control: A Sociological Perspective
SAGE Journal Articles
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Abstract:
Anomie is a highly prominent theoretical construct in macro-social, particularly cross-national, criminological inquiry. Yet despite its prominence, it has proven to be quite elusive with regard to its measurement and, hence, making it nearly impossible to test theoretical hypotheses regarding its predictive efficacy. Although the concept, whether derived from Merton’s classic conceptualization or from its current incarnation in the form of institutional anomie as developed by Messner and Rosenfeld, is multidimensional and complex in its theoretical structure, most researchers have attempted to operationalize it through simple, single-item, often surrogate/proxy measures. The present research note attempts to develop a measure that is more consistent with its multidimensional and complex nature. This more complex operationalization is then examined with regard to its efficacy at predicting cross-national levels of both homicide and theft. Our results suggest that that this new operationalization has considerable predictive efficacy, accounting for approximately one third of the variation in the cross-national level of both homicide and theft.
Summary:
The researchers collected data from 49 countries focused structural anomie measured by blocked economic opportunity, economic inequity, and relative deprivation and the impact these factors have on crime rates.
Questions to Consider:
- Define structural anomie.
- What are some of the resources used by the authors to determine structural anomie?
- Which form of society has very modest rates of crime? Discuss the significance of these findings.
Abstract:
This article examines the development of technology-focused deviant subcultures. The adoption of new technologies cause shifts in human behavior patterns, and a small body of research has considered the ways that criminals adjust their offending practices due to new technology. Few have, however, explored the ways that technology produces new forms of crime and deviance. This study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the argot of the technology-focused computer hacker subculture using multiple data sets. The findings explore the dynamic use of hacker argot and how these terms reflect the role of technology in shaping attitudes toward and support for deviance and crime.
Summary:
The author explores the subculture of hackers. In the article he discusses the hierarchy of hacking and numerous deviant behaviors of the hacker argot.
Questions to Consider:
- What is the deviant subculture discussed in this article?
- What is an “argot”?
- Identify the deviant behavior that hackers
Abstract:
We examine the effect of perceived school fairness on one’s likelihood of participating in school violence and how social support influences this relationship. General strain theory (GST) and procedural justice theory suggest that when students perceive unfairness in school rules or treatment from teachers, they will be more likely to participate in violence. GST proposes that the strength of these relationships may be reduced by social support. Data from the 2009 School Crime Supplement of the National Crime Victimization Survey show that students who perceive unfair treatment from teachers are more likely to bring a weapon to school and fight at school than are students who believe that their teachers are fair. Students who perceive that rules are unfair are more likely to bring a weapon to school than are students who believe rules are fair. Perceived support from adults at school reduces the impact of teacher/rule unfairness on school violence.
Summary:
This article uses general strain theory to explain school violence.
Questions to Consider:
- Define strain theory.
- Define procedural justice theory.
- What are the types of perceived support that diminish the impact of strain on deviant behavior?