2. Anomie and strain, interactionist paradigms

epistemology

the study of knowledge and justified belief

types of epistemologies

- positive

- interpretive/constructivist

- critical

positive epistemology

theory of world, develop hypothesis based on that theory, gather data to test that hypothesis and accept/reject the hypothesis, deductive/top down

interpretive/constructivist epistemology

know the world through deep and vivid direct experience, inductive/bottom up

critical epistemology

challenging both positive and interpretive/constructivist's existing views and assumptions

durkheim

argues sociology should be scientific

functionalist

seeking to understand 'social glue' of society

structural

referring to social change and its impact on society

sources of solidarity

shared identity and values, common interests, emotional bonds, and a sense of shared purpose or collective action

2 sources of solidarity

-mechanical

-organic

Mechanical Solidarity

solidarity based on sameness in pre-capitalist, pre-industrial societies

Organic Solidarity

solidarity based on difference and interdependence in capitalist, industrial societies

durkheims view on crime

crime is a normal part of society but excessive crime indicates dysfunction and anomie

anomie

normlessness; a state of under-regulation and integration

crime as normal includes

boundary maintenance and pushing

Boundary Maintenance

helps create boundaries, teaches us about what we think is right and wrong, crime reinforces collective values when we react to it (through punishment, media discourse, etc)

boundary pushing

Points to boundaries where society norms are evolving

need people to bush boundaries so society can evolve and change → healthy sign of our morals evolving

crime as dysfunctional includes

anomie

durkheims study of suicide

Showed how groups impact individual behavior by comparing different groups' suicide rates, proved sociology should be scientific

Durkheim's key insights

-Social change, such as the transition to modernity, can often generate anomie

-Anomie stems from weak moral integration and poor social regulation: crime/deviance a symptom of this

-Deviance is a social fact that is patterned and regular when viewed in aggregate

-The criminal law reflects the cultural values of a society and helps uphold our moral and social order

-Crime generates emotional responses and is perceived as a violation of a moral code, Punishment helps us reset those boundaries

criticisms of durkheim

-Arguably underplays the way in which systems of punishment are shaped by the nature and distribution of power within society

-Assumed consensus which underpins the notion of conscience collective

-arguments about the functional utility of crime may not apply to all types of crime (are we really so outraged at drug use, graffiti, etc.)

durkheim relevance today

-Durkheim examined social bonds in (a) in times of very rapid social change, and (b) in societies which are highly internally differentiated

-21st Century sources of anomie: AI? Social Media?Climate Change? Gig economy? Gender and sexuality norms? Post pandemic and new social norms arising?

-Is the new global order breaking down all the old certainties? Will these new social arrangements bring with them the collapse of social structures? Are we losing the ability to regulate behaviour and maintain order?

Structural Strain Theory origin

Merton's theory that builds on Durkheim's notion of anomie, adapted to capitalism in the mid-20th century.

Merton's Strain Theory

Merton argues that a lack of integration between societal goals and means leads to structural strain, resulting in various modes of adaptation, including innovation and rebellion.

Structural Strain Theory

a theory that interprets deviance as originating in the tensions that exist in society between cultural goals and the means people have to achieve those goals

example of structually-induced strain

Global Financial Crisis; risky speculation, irresponsible lending and borrowing, Make as much money as you can, worry about the impact later

deviance typology

coined by Robert K. Merton. 5 types based on people's values and limited means of achieving them.

1. Conformity (accept, accept)

2. Ritualism (accept, reject)

3. Innovation (reject, accept)

4. Retreatism (reject, reject)

5. Rebellion (new means, new goals)

anomie according to strain theory

institutionalized norms weakened; the pursuit of success no longer guided by normative standards of right and wrong

Collective Conscience

The shared beliefs and moral attitudes that operate as a unifying force within society.

3 divergent directions of strain theory

- differential opportunity theory

- institutional anomie theory

- general strain theory

Differential Opportunity Theory

Proposed by Cloward and Ohlin in 1960, it suggests that access to legitimate and illegitimate means of achieving success is not evenly distributed.

Institutional Anomie Theory

Developed by Messner and Rosenfeld in 2001, it critiques how the American Dream creates pressures towards crime in an anomic cultural environment.

General Strain Theory

Proposed by Agnew in 1992, it redefines strain as negative treatment, loss of valued items, or inability to achieve goals, leading to negative emotions and crime.

criticisms of strain theory

1. Focus only on lower class delinquency

2. Neglect of other possible goals besides middle- class status and financial gain

3. Failure to consider barriers to achievement besides social class

4. Inability to account for why only some people who experience strain turn to crime

Symbolic Interactionism

A sociological perspective that focuses on the meanings individuals derive from social interactions and how these meanings influence behavior.

main theorist of interactionism

weber and mead

verstehen

understand how people make meaning out of their social situation

Looking Glass Self

A concept by Cooley that describes how individuals form their self-identity based on how they believe others perceive them.

interactionist views on criminology

-focus on the social reaction to crime

-Adopts a more appreciative stance toward deviants and a more critical stance toward the state and the system that defined them as deviant (focus is on rule makers not rule breakers)

Labeling Theory

A theory that examines how being labeled as deviant can influence an individual's self-identity and lead to further deviance.

becker and labelling theory

deviance is 'a consequence of the application by others of rules and sanctions.' Labelling by moral entrepreneurs who seek to impose their values or moral rules on others.

goffman and labelling theory

Stigma/spoiled identities occur within and through institutions. Deviance starts and is reinforced/restricted by criminal justice system.

braithewaite and labelling theory

-our response to wrongdoing/harm may be stigmatic/disintegrative (i.e. labelling) or reintegrative

-Shame can be harmful or productive- underpins work on restorative justice

becker's rule-breaking process (labelling theory)

1. Rules are created by social groups, and it is the infraction of these rules that creates deviance

2. The rules are applied to particular people

3. Those to whom the rules are applied are then labelled as 'outsiders'

Conflict Perspective

A sociological approach that critiques capitalism and emphasizes the dominance of economic systems over other social institutions.

Structural Functionalism

A paradigm that explains what holds society together, focusing on solidarity and cohesion.

Interactionism (Symbolic Interactionism)

A paradigm that emphasizes the importance of social interactions and symbols in understanding society.

Conflict Theories

Theories that focus on the role of power, inequality, and conflict in society.

Decolonizing Perspectives

Approaches that challenge colonial narratives and seek to understand knowledge from indigenous viewpoints.

Positivism

An epistemology that relies on the scientific method, quantitative data, and hypothesis-testing.

Interpretive/Constructionist

An epistemology that involves immersion and subjective understanding, often using qualitative methods.

Critical Epistemology

An epistemology that challenges existing knowledge frameworks and seeks to envision better, more just worlds.

Sutherland's Definition of Criminology

The study of the making of laws, breaking of laws, and reaction to breaking of laws.

Criminological Imagination

The ability to connect individual experiences with broader social structures.

Modes of Adaptation

Five responses to strain: Conformity, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, Rebellion.

Crime as 'Normal'

The idea that crime serves functional roles in society, such as teaching normative boundaries and encouraging social change.

Social Media and Anomie

Modern examples of anomie include the impact of social media and changing norms on gender and sexuality.

Criticisms of Functionalism

Functionalism downplays power, inequality, and conflict, and assumes social consensus.

Labelling Theory

A theory by Howard Becker and others that posits deviance is not inherent but arises from societal reactions and labels.

Labelling

The process of being defined as 'deviant', 'criminal', or 'outsider', which can become a 'master status'.

Stigma

A social label that can lead to exclusion and identity transformation for individuals or groups.

Self-fulfilling prophecy

A phenomenon where individuals internalize labels and are forced into deviant roles due to societal expectations.

Deviance and crime comparison (symbolic interactionism vs structural functionalism)

Symbolic Interactionism focuses on the social construction of deviance, while Structural Functionalism views crime as serving a societal function.