SOC205H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Labeling Theory, Social Capital, Unintended Consequences
Document Summary
See relativity in human behaviours: the ways we approach our study are all built upon bias. Assume society is based on consensus: we all ag(cid:396)ee (cid:449)ith (cid:449)hat"s (cid:396)ight + (cid:449)(cid:396)o(cid:374)g, agree what is normal + abnormal behaviours. Ignore issues of power + conflict within society: eg) debates on prostitution laws. Ignore certain questions why certain are criminalized: grey areas where deviant actions are considered criminal now were not, eg) consumption of alcohol is legal (but not in the past) Explain why crime occurs + where it locate in the causes of the individual. How particular behaviours group the individual come to define as criminals. Disregard social networks + institutions respond to crimes. Who is defined as criminals (not discussed by positivist) Power differentials + inequality + hierarchy = contribute to a particular framework to explain crimes. Critique for being blind of reality of capitalist society. Pervasive economic + racial inequality (particularly in the u. s. + u. k)
