SOC 3710 Chapter 6: SOC 3710 - Chapter 6

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 3710
• Professor: Parmaby

Document Summary

Labeling theory: moved away from thinking about a positivistic approach by asking the questions about crime rather than about the person. It has a significant impact on social policy and our responses. Critical perspective on crime: focuses on power relationships and social control, it tends to be less concerned with statistical testing of theories and relies less on official data for analyzing. Tannenbaum argued that children engage in delinquent behavior without knowing that others view it as delinquent or bad. The best response to delinquent behavior is to do nothing. It is the conflict that develops between the child"s play group and the community that turns it into criminal behavior. If children begin to resent adult interference and start to act in a defiant manner, adults will define them as bad. In their isolated state, they will become to accept themselves as different and be encouraged to engage in more of this behavior.