SOC211H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Human Nature, Social Control Theory, Differential Association
Leccture 3
Sept. 27, 2012
Early positivists applied biological theory (for example, social
Darwinist theory of evolution)
Positivists
Compared deviants and non-deviants
They observed and measured a variety of factors (social, cultural,
environmental)
Measurement and comparison allows for test of theories or hypothesis
A strong point of Positivism is that it requires theories be subject to test
Matza
If there was no difference between a criminal act and a non-
criminal act we would not know what is bad (should be
punished)
Positivist approach characterized by cycles of:
First, identifying causal factors (or a “theory”)
Next, testing and questioning predictions of theory
Third, period of indecision and uncertainty
Fourth, substitution of a new theory
Relations in causal factors identified
First reaction termed “Good causes evil” 3 examples:
o Merton argued that pursuit of a success leads to crime
o Davis argued that efforts to regulate or control sexual
behaviour leads to prostitution
o Cohen predicted more delinquency created by social
pressures to succeed in school
Document Summary
Early positivists applied biological theory (for example, social. They observed and measured a variety of factors (social, cultural, environmental) Measurement and comparison allows for test of theories or hypothesis. A strong point of positivism is that it requires theories be subject to test. If there was no difference between a criminal act and a non- criminal act we would not know what is bad (should be punished) First, identifying causal factors (or a theory ) Next, testing and questioning predictions of theory. Labeling theorists describe shift from focus on the act to characterizing the individual. People become deviant by definition (conflict theory) Addressing the causal question (why do some people violate rules?) requires some assumptions. The rules or values of the group are assumed or taken as a point of reference. The influence of positivism is still very strong until this day. Research on whether there is agreement or conflict over rules is not consistent.
