CC100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Cesare Beccaria, Lawbreakers, Ethnocentrism
Document Summary
~ concrete theories - explore phenomenon that are easily explainable. ~ abstract theories - account for complex phenomenon. ~ theories - are in a constant state of flux and change. Forms of generalization constructed to explain relationships of events. Solid theory must account for both obvious cases and those that differ from the norm. Help decide when certain crimes should be abandoned (marijuana) ~ ethnocentrism - based on individual life experiences and usually not correct or generalizable (whether theory can explain more than one case) ~ theoretical developments assist in: developing new laws, sentencing, treating inmates in prison, deciding how to deal with lawbreakers. ~ empirical testing - able to gather data to test if theory works. ~ broad categorizations of theory: macro level - explain operations of institution w/in society. Processes: micro level - address processes that impact the interactions of individuals and groups, bridging - integrates both macro and micro.
