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- Is logically constructed (logically sound and internally consistent)
- Is based on evidence
- Can be empirically validated (ie. Through measurement or observation)
- Can unify a number of competing or conflicting theories |
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| Problems with Measurement |
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- Theory may be good, but we may lack the means to measure or observe (Galileo’s theory that planets revolve around the sun)
- Some theories have been measured only once, or from only one perspective (may appear to have been proven, but not through repeated research). |
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| Grand theories that offer wide concepts (Ex. The Big Bang Theory) |
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| Emphasize a particular problem and make testable assertions about the problem. |
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| Broad, and tend to explain the effects of social structure. |
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| Narrow, and tend to explain the process through which individuals or groups become criminal. |
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| Attempt to address issues of social structure and the process through which individuals become criminal. |
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- Associated with Emile Durkheim
- Society as a functional organism
- Norms/expectations based on shared values/interests
- Laws and social institutions designed to integrate and regulate social behaviour |
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- Associated with Karl Marx
- Society rooted in social conflict
- Norms/expectations not shared, but rather, imposed upon us
- Laws and social institutions designed to protect interests of those with money/power. |
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| Karl Marx's Contributions |
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Definition
- Not a sociologist and didn’t write much about crime
- Still most widely cited political philosopher in social sciences as recently as the 1980s
- Wrote Das Capital and the Communist Manifesto
- Influential in worker’s movements and ideas ie: socialism and communism |
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| Dialectical/Historical Materialism |
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Definition
1. Dialectical pairs are polar opposites (Slave owners -- Slaves, Landlords -- Serfs, Capitalists -- Workers)
2. Depend upon each other for their existence
3. Contradictory (opposing interests)
4. Class struggle leads to change in socio-economic forms |
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- “Capitalism is an exploitative and alienating social order in which inequality is institutionalized by an elite ruling class”
- State serves the interests of the ruling class”
- The laws are a “mystifying” force, masking the exploitative nature of capitalism |
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- Founded sociology at the Sorbonne in Paris
- Wrote The Rules of Sociological Method and Suicide: A Study in Sociology
- Wrote “Sociology and Social Facts”, appended to later editions of The Division of Labour in Society
- Instrumental in establishing and contributing to Annee Sociologique |
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| The Influence of Auguste Comte |
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Definition
- Coined the term “sociology”
- Like Saint-Simon, Comte was concerned with moral order and moral disunity
- Was opposed to social criticism, social conflict and social change
- Redefined “positivism” as positive philosophy – the opposite of the critical, “negativistic” philosophy of the French Revolution and the Enlightenment |
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| Divided into Mechanical Solidarity and Organic Solidarity. |
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- Earlier, more simple societies
- Rudimentary division of labour
- Limited differentiation
- Vengeance/harsh punishments
- Repressive law |
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- Later, more complex societies
- Complex division of labour
- Extensive specialization
- Law as regulated social defense
- Restitutive law |
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| Involves the social forces of attraction and social bonds/collective beliefs. |
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| Social forces of restraint, laws and social structure. |
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- Lawlessness and normlessness
- Unregulated choice
- Collapse of social solidarity |
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| Social Context of the Positive School |
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- Darwin’s theory of evolution
- Comte, one of the first to talk about “positivism”
- Anthropology and the study of “primitive” society
- Advances in science and medicine |
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- Came up with “Social Darwinism”
- Popularized the term “evolution” and came up with expression “survival of the fittest”
- Societies followed principle of “natural selection” through process of competition
- Rich and powerful were more “fit”; poor, mentally ill or criminals were “unfit” |
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- The Father of Genetics
- Led some to believe that deviance, criminal behaviour and feeblemindedness were solely result of bad genes
- Discounted effects of environment, socialization and social structure |
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- “The Father of Modern Criminology”, founder of the Positive School
- Medical doctor – measured soldiers, insane people, criminals and members of general public
- Published 'On Criminal Man' in 1876
- New-found interest in science, medicine and evolutionary theory led his search of the atavistic man |
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Definition
- Sought out/described by Cesare Lombroso
- Used to define criminals
- A degenerate throwback on earlier forms of evolution
- Stigmata = protruding jaws, close-set eyes, unusually shaped ears, a sloping forehead, etc. |
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- Identified “natural crimes” that violated sentiments of “probity” and “pity”
- Argued that society was like a “natural body;” said that criminals should be eliminated
- Social defense theory – society had a right to protect itself |
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