Reading Assignment #4

Sociology 225 

Winter, 2025 

February 3, 2025 

Reading Assignment #4 

A.  Textbook Readings:  Chapter 3 

1. What are the five key purposes of criminological data? Briefly explain each.  (Section 3.1) 

Description: first step towards understanding, explaining, and ultimately predicting crime.  

- Criminality is the ability to describe criminal phenomena accurately  

-Criminal statistics helps measure how safe and healthy a community is  

Explanation: Criminological theories explain crime and patterns and trends.  

- Theories enable researchers to make testable predictions based on empirical data  

-Researchers rely on quantifiable (observable/measurable) data to test their thersitical hypothesis  

Researchers use empirical findings (observations, experiments, or data collected through research) to determine whether their theoretical assertions are supported. 

Evaluation: The criminal justice system is costly to run, and financial accountability is a major concern for policymakers and the public. Accurate data is needed to evaluate its effectiveness and value for the money spent 

Risk assessment: By analyzing criminal activity based on time, place, setting, and social or environmental factors, criminologists can determine the likelihood of someone becoming a victim based on various conditions. 

- Men are more likely to be victims of homicide serious assault, and robbery, while women are more likely to be victims of sexual assault 

Prediction: From both a moral and practical standpoint, preventing crime is better than punishing offenders after it happens. Social scientists have long been interested in predicting human behavior. For example, do youth peer courts, where peers decide punishments, lead to better outcomes than traditional youth courts? Recently, Canadian researchers have focused on how to respond to human trafficking. The range of topics researchers try to predict is vast. 

2. How do environmental criminologists seek to prevent crime? (Box 3.1) 

Geographic profiling: used to predict where various categories of offenders live or work, based on crime-site information  

• Technique relies on innovative research on the spatial behaviour of criminals  

3. Identify and describe the three categories of police crime statistics. (Section 3.2) 

• Summary offences carry a maximum penalty of six months in jail and/or a fine not exceeding $5,000 (unless a different penalty is specified) 

• Indictable offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and no maximum fine   

• Hybrid offence consist of crimes such as impaired driving and theft under $5,000, which the crown may choose to prosecute either summary or indictable 

4. What is the dark figure of crime? (Section 3.2) 

• Crime that goes undetected, unreported, or unrecorded, and is not included in official sources  

5. When engaging in participation observation, what are some guidelines that researchers can follow to minimize potential negative impacts on their subjects? (Section 3.3) 

• Never harm participants  

• Ensure that participation is voluntary  

• Maintain the anonymity and confidentiality of participants  

• Be honest at all stages of the study  

6. How do researchers validate their findings? (Section 3.4) 

• They use the triangulation technique. Triangulation is the use of multiple data sources or research methods to investigate methods to investigate a topic, with the goal of producing more reliable findings  

B.  Article Reading 

Obtain the following article from the online library (article is also posted in eclass as PDF): 

Cesaroni, C., & Alvi, S. (2010). Masculinity and resistance in adolescent carceral settings. Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 52(3), 303-320. 

Answer the following questions: 

1.  Drawing upon the sources cited by the authors, what is hegemonic masculinity? (308) 

Hegemonic masculinity is the idea that society has a dominant and ideal way of being a man. This usually means being strong, in control, competitive, and not showing too many emotions. It also supports traditional gender roles, where men are seen as more powerful than women and other types of masculinity. Not all men fit this ideal, but it still affects how they are treated and how power works between them. 

Key notes on Hegemonic Masculinity 

• Definition: A dominant and idealized way of being a man in society. 

• Key Traits: Strength, control, competitiveness, emotional restraint. 

• Gender Roles: Supports traditional roles, positioning men as more powerful than women and other forms of masculinity. 

• Impact: 

• Influences how men behave and are expected to act. 

• Affects social power dynamics. 

• Not all men fit this ideal, but it still shapes treatment and expectations. 

Key Definitions 

• Hegemonic – The ruling or dominant influence in a social or cultural context. 

• Masculinity – Qualities and behaviors traditionally associated with men. 

• Gender Roles – Social expectations about how men and women should behave. 

• Power Dynamics – The ways power is distributed and exercised in relationships or society. 

• Emotional Restraint – The expectation that men should not show vulnerability or too many emotions. 

2.  Drawing upon the authors' work and the work of other researchers cited, how do masculinities manifest in carceral settings and among peers? (309-311) 

Masculinity in prisons and young offender institutions is shaped by the environment and peer pressure. Inmates feel the need to act tough, show strength, and avoid looking weak to gain respect and stay safe (Jewkes 2005).  

This often leads to fights, bullying, and competition to be the "top dog" (Sim 1995). 

For young offenders, the pressure to prove their masculinity is even stronger. They are always being watched and tested by their peers, and showing weakness can make them a target (Steinberg 1999). Many feel they must defend themselves to avoid being picked on (Jewkes 2005). 

Since prisons take away freedom and control, some inmates try to redefine what it means to be a man in these conditions (Messerschmidt 2001). Respect from staff and fair treatment can sometimes reduce violence and offer a different way to prove masculinity (Liebling 2003). 

Overall, masculinity in prisons is about survival, power, and peer influence. It shapes how inmates act and how they interact with others. 

Key Points 

Masculinity in Prisons & Young Offender Institutions 

• Shaped by environment, peer pressure, and need for survival 

• Inmates must act tough, show strength, and avoid looking weak (Jewkes 2005) 

• Leads to fights, bullying, and competition for dominance (Sim 1995) 

Young Offenders & Peer Pressure 

• Strong pressure to prove masculinity in adolescence 

• Constant surveillance & testing by peers (Steinberg 1999) 

• Showing weakness makes one a target (Jewkes 2005) 

• Need to defend oneself to gain respect 

Adapting Masculinity in Prison 

• Loss of freedom forces inmates to redefine masculinity (Messerschmidt 2001) 

• Respect and fair treatment from staff can reduce violence (Liebling 2003) 

Key Themes 

• Masculinity = survival, power, and peer influence 

• Shapes behavior and relationships in carceral settings 

Key Definitions 

• Masculinity – The traits, behaviors, and roles traditionally associated with men in a society. 

• Carceral Settings – Environments like prisons, jails, or detention centers where individuals are incarcerated. 

• Peer Pressure – The influence from peers to conform to specific behaviors, norms, or expectations. 

• Top Dog – A term used to describe the dominant or most respected individual in a group. 

3.  How does imprisonment challenge prisoners' conceptions of manhood?  (311) 

Imprisonment challenges prisoners' conceptions of manhood in several ways: 

1. Loss of Control and Independence: 

1. Imprisonment strips individuals, especially adolescents, of control and independence during a critical stage of identity development. Adolescents are in the process of forming an integrated identity, and being treated as child-like or overly controlled can heighten rebellion and conflict with staff (Greve et al., 2001). 

2. The institutional environment forces inmates to navigate the tension between their developmental need for independence and the rigid control imposed by the prison system. 

2. Redefinition of Masculinity: 

1. Prisons demand that inmates prove their masculinity through acts of toughness, dominance, and survival. However, this can conflict with their personal conceptions of manhood. 

2. The environment encourages resistance and subversion, often expressed through minor acts of defiance or manipulation, which challenge traditional notions of masculine power (Bosworth & Carabine, 2000). 

3. Negotiation of Respect: 

1. Respect is a highly symbolic concept for many incarcerated youth. They expect respect from peers and staff, and failure to receive it often leads to a refusal to offer respect in return (Crewe, 2005). 

2. The struggle for respect becomes a critical way in which prisoners, especially young offenders, assert their masculinity and negotiate power, both with staff and with other inmates (Interviewee Yrk411, study 3). 

3. The power dynamic between youth and staff becomes a key point of tension, as some inmates use strategic behavior, such as following rules to gain favor, to assert control and redefine their manhood in prison (Wilson, 2003). 

4. Conflict Between Power Dynamics: 

1. The interaction between inmates and staff is often driven by a complex power dynamic that involves a mix of submission and resistance. This dynamic becomes even more intense for adolescent males, who are navigating their sense of self during a period of rebellion. 

2. Some youths resist being treated as children, challenging the authority of staff and redefining their masculinity by asserting power and respect in small acts of subversion (Interviewee Brk617a, study 3). 

Key Themes 

• Subversion & Defiance: Minor acts of resistance, such as using rules to one's advantage or defying authority, are key to expressing masculinity in prison. 

• Respect as Power: Respect is a negotiation of power, where inmates, especially youth, seek it from peers and staff as a way to assert their masculinity. 

• Loss of Control: The restrictive, controlled environment of prison conflicts with the adolescent's need for independence, increasing tensions and challenging their identity as men. 

4.  What did the authors find in reference to the youths' resistance strategies? (312-313) 

Youth in carceral settings resist authority in two main ways. Some engage in direct confrontation, such as refusing orders, fighting staff or peers, and causing disruptions to exert power or relieve boredom (Crewe 2007). Others use subtle, everyday acts of resistance, like manipulating rules, using coded language, or mocking staff (Bosworth & Carabine 2000). Respect plays a key role—youth expect it from staff and may resist those who treat them unfairly (Crewe 2005). The strict control in these institutions clashes with adolescents' need for independence, leading to further conflict (Greve et al. 2001). 

Key Points 

forms of Resistance 

• Direct confrontation (Crewe 2007) 

• Refusing orders, fighting staff/peers, causing disruptions 

• Used to exert power or relieve boredom 

• Subtle resistance (Bosworth & Carabine 2000) 

• Manipulating rules, using coded language, mocking staff 

Role of Respect (Crewe 2005) 

• Youth expect respect from staff before giving it 

• Disrespect leads to resistance 

Conflict with Institutional Control (Greve et al. 2001) 

• Adolescents seek independence but face strict control 

• Power struggle between youth and staff increases tension 

5.  Why is the power-dynamic between staff and inmate accentuated in youth correctional facilities and what are the implications?  (313-314) 

The power struggle between staff and youth in correctional facilities is stronger because teens naturally want independence, but these places are very strict and controlling. 

Young inmates find small ways to push back, like using secret codes or following rules to get rewards (Bosworth & Carabine, 2000; Wilson, 2003). Respect is very important to them—they believe staff should earn it first. But staff don’t always show respect and sometimes use threats or strict control, which makes things worse (Crewe, 2005). 

Unlike parents, staff use rules and punishments without much care. Some even treat youth unfairly or abusively, making them feel powerless and more likely to fight back (Law Commission of Canada, 2000). 

Even though these young people act tough, they are still vulnerable. Many come from hard backgrounds and just want what other teens want—family, a future, and a better life (Goldson, 2005). The strict rules in these places don’t just control their actions but also shape who they become. 

Key Points 

• Stronger Power Struggle 

• Teens naturally seek independence but are placed in strict, controlled environments. 

• Forms of Resistance 

• Youth find small ways to push back (e.g., using secret codes, following rules to gain rewards). 

• They value respect but believe it must be earned first. 

• Staff don’t always show respect, sometimes using threats or strict control, which increases tension. 

• Staff Power & Punishment 

• Unlike parents, staff enforce rules without much care or flexibility. 

• Some staff treat youth unfairly, abuse power, or use excessive punishment, making inmates feel powerless. 

• Youth Vulnerability 

• Many come from difficult backgrounds. 

• Despite acting tough, they want normal things—family, a future, and a better life. 

• Strict control doesn’t just affect their behavior but also shapes their identity and future. 

6.  What are the vulnerabilities incarcerated male youth exhibit as revealed by  the authors of this study? (314)  

Incarcerated male youth exhibit several vulnerabilities despite their tough exterior. They face mistreatment from staff, including inconsistent rule enforcement, abuse, and harsh punishments that impact their privileges and early release. Many come from difficult family and social backgrounds, struggle emotionally with loneliness and homesickness, and secretly express sadness. Despite being labeled as dangerous, they share typical teenage desires—missing loved ones, wanting education and careers, and hoping for a better future (Goldson, 2005). 

- Incarcerated means being confined or imprisoned, usually in a jail, prison, or correctional facility. 

Vulnerabilities of Incarcerated Male Youth 

• Mistreatment by Staff 

• Inconsistent rule enforcement. 

• Staff involvement in or allowance of violence. 

• Verbal, physical, psychological, and even sexual abuse. 

• Harsh punishments (e.g., negative reports) that affect privileges, early release, and community connections. 

• Childhood Vulnerability 

• Despite acting tough, they are still emotionally and developmentally vulnerable. 

• Society often views them as dangerous rather than as struggling youth. 

• Background Disadvantages (Goldson, 2005) 

• Many come from difficult family, social, and academic situations. 

• Emotional & Personal Struggles 

• They hide emotions but feel loneliness, homesickness, and sadness. 

• Some secretly cry when alone. 

• Aspirations & Desires 

• Want money, cars, and to avoid prison. 

• Miss family, girlfriends, and childhood objects (e.g., toy collections). 

• Desire education, careers (e.g., accountant, architect), and a family. 

• Wish for experiences like hockey games, theme parks, and camping. 

• Key Insight 

• Despite their tough image, they share the same hopes and dreams as other young people, aligning with middle-class values. 

7.   The authors embarked on this study with the aim of 'making visible' the lived experience of youth offenders in custody.  What are the potential implications of their findings?  (314-316) 

The study highlights several key implications. First, it reveals the harsh realities of youth incarceration, including injustices like staff abuse, inconsistent rule enforcement, and punishments that impact rehabilitation. Second, it challenges the perception of incarcerated youth as hardened criminals, showing that they are still developing individuals with emotions, aspirations, and vulnerabilities. Third, it questions the "tough on crime" approach, suggesting that youth need individualized care and support rather than excessive punishment. Lastly, it emphasizes the need for better public awareness and policy changes to address the root causes of youth crime instead of focusing solely on incarceration. 

Key Points 

1. Exposure of Injustice in Youth Incarceration 

• Staff mistreatment: verbal abuse, overuse of force, inconsistent rule enforcement. 

• Some staff contribute to violence or fail to prevent it. 

• Punishments (infractions, negative reports) can impact early release, temporary passes, and privileges like phone calls. 

2. Challenging Stereotypes of Incarcerated Youth 

• Public often sees them as dangerous criminals. 

• Study shows they have emotions, vulnerabilities, and aspirations like other youth. 

• Many come from difficult backgrounds (family issues, social struggles, academic disadvantage). 

• Despite "tough" behavior, they miss loved ones, express sadness, and have dreams (education, careers, family). 

3. Critique of the "Tough on Crime" Approach 

• Harsh punishments don't necessarily help youth rehabilitation. 

• Current policies focus on punishment rather than addressing root causes of crime. 

• Individualized care and emotional support may be more effective in rehabilitation. 

4. Importance of Public Awareness & Policy Change 

• Society is largely unaware of the realities of youth incarceration. 

• Need for reforms in justice policies to focus on prevention and rehabilitation. 

• Calls for addressing social issues that lead to youth crime rather than just punishment.