SOC 2510 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Middle Ages, Eugenics, Premenstrual Syndrome
19 Oct 2018
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Document Summary
Prior to the 18th century theories about crime were primarily based on religious beliefs and superstition. They believed that there was a link between evil spirits and wrongdoing. Used torture to drive evil spirits away (few would survive) These practices reached their peak in the middle ages (witch craze) This period had social upheaval due to the transition from feudalism to capitalism: elites resorted to religious and civil laws to maintain order, social arrangements no longer met the needs of the growing european population. Religious and political elites diverted attention from themselves and silences rebellious members by blaming social problems on the devil: this blurred the lines between sin and crime. To prevent anyone from challenging the status quo they linked morality to rebellion. During the witch craze half a million people were put to death. The less powerful members of the community were more likely to be accused mainly women: these women"s presence threatened male-dominated power structures.
