SOC371H5 Chapter Notes -Penology, Reductionism
Document Summary
Because we have tried to convert a deeply social issue into a technical task for specialist institutions. The cumulative argument is examining the different approaches in evaluating punishment in a sociological context and having an end argument that entails all the features that are important to the study of punishment. The framework in which they work are partial and limiting and a more pluralistic approach is required. Analytical pluralism may seem obvious, but singular and reductionist views tend to dominate the field and do not provide enough information on their own in order to evaluate punishment. Echoes durkheim"s idea that punishment is an index of society"s invisible moral bonds. Punishment displays a complexity of function and richness of meaning sufficient to challenge sociological understanding. Can yield much insight about the insights of society. It should be seen as a complex social institution in mainstream sociology, and not just a special topic for specialists.
