Rules of Sociological Method


Theories for Lifecycle changes



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Theories for Lifecycle changes

*Two-path theory , Age-graded theory, and Others( parenting ; gaining or losing social or cultural capital)



Theories to explain variations in rates of crime

3 categories:

macrolevel phenomena and processes

macro level - individual- level analogs

individual-level principles for application to aggregates


  • whatever applies to individuals can be aggregated to explain rates of crime from one social

entity to another. Almost all of casual processes of the individual level theories can be

aggregated to explain variations in crime rates.



  • no single, individual level process alone can provide adequate explanation at the marco level.

4 principles governing situational influences:

*crime relevant decisions are determined by situational contingencies

*decision making involves evaluation by potential offenders

*influence of situational factors varies by crime type

*level of attention that potential offenders pay to situational factors varies by both offender characteristics and crime type
5 trends for continuing the theories as criminologists are ‘demanding more from theories”, need for the ability to measure such things as reintegrative shaming, self control, general strain, human, social and cultural capital and control ratios.
Summary: criminological theory has grown and progressed. There is still a need for additional improvements and research for theories. It is a lot of material to try to take notes on. This section gives great detail about criminological theory and could be useful in researching and describing theories.

Truman,J., U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. (2011). Criminal victimization, 2010. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice. (pp. 1-19).

Victimization reports in 2010 in comparison to previous 10 years of rates (national crime victimization survey data). Overall decline in crime as compared from 2001-2010.

UCR- uniform crime report: Rate of violent crime victimizations in 2010 had declined by 13%. Violent and serious crimes decreased 34%. Property crimes decreased also.

Repeat victimizations determined by:

1. occur 6+ times in past 6 months

2. are they similar to each other

3. respondent unable to recall details of each one to distinguish between them.

(repeats are included in the NCVS but capped at 10).

National rates increased when included in the count, and when excluded the rates decreased. The NCVS and UCR have overlapping data as the NCVS are crimes reported and not reported to police/agencies. The UCR excludes simple assaults.

Victims of violence who were injured:

2008- 24% 2009- 28% 2010- 29%

Crimes with weapons:

22% all violent victimizations

61% serious victimizations

2010- 12% rape

2010- 20% sexual assaults

firearms were most commonly used weapon

Stranger Crime: 2001-2010 approximatley 50% of victims knew their offender.

Intimate partner violence:

women victims 22% ; men victims 5%

partners - spouses (current and former) /significant others

Males have higher rates of violent victimization than women. In 1994, males 59.6%/1,000; women 42.5%/1000. No difference for simple victimization.

25 years + had lower rates than those 18-20 years old

low income households more likely to experience property crime.

Decline in simple assault 82% total, decrease in rate of violent victimization in 2010.

Rate review: 2001-2010

Property Crime - declined 6%

Weapon violence - 26 to 22%

Stranger perpetrator crime - 44 to 39%

Firearms used in crimes - 6 to 9% (stable since 2004)

Victims in crimes who suffered injuries - 24 to 29%

in 2010- 50% of all violent victimizations and 40% of property crimes were reported to police (stable over 10 years)

2010- males and females had similar rates violent victimizations, 15.7 and 14.2 (out of 1,000).

Tavris, C. (2003). Uncivil rites- The cultural rules of anger. In M. Silberman (Ed.), Violence and society (pp.3-14). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Part 1: The Social Construction of Anger

“The readings in this section explore the role that anger plays in defending social institutions against threats to their integrity. Anger is a socially constructed emotion to the extent that the feelings associated with this emotion derive from the relationships that give them meaning.” “…Tavris helps us to understand how everyday expressions of anger operate to defend the established moral order against attacks from within or without. Tavris shows us how anger can be understood as the ‘judicial emotion’. As such, anger often occurs in response to violations of cultural rules or perceived injustice.” pp.1

This section reviews different cultural reactions to anger and situations that cause anger. After reading this section, it all seems very obvious, of course. Some cultures deal with anger better than others ( such as the eskimo ‘duel song’). “One who is not legitimately insane cannot control himself, but one who is merely angry can & must.” pp. 8

Zisowitz Stearn, C. & Stearns, P. (2003). A new approach to anger control: 1860-1940, The American Ambivalence. In M. Silberman (Ed.), Violence and society (pp.15-29). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.


Part 1: A new approach to anger control: 1860-1940, The American Ambivalence.

“The readings in this section explore the role that anger plays in defending social institutions against threats to their integrity. Anger is a socially constructed emotion to the extent that the feelings associated with this emotion derive from the relationships that give them meaning.” “… Stearns and Stearns describe how the cultural rules of anger changed during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in America.” pp. 1

Two components of anger at the turn of the century: Anger is a personality trait and it can be used for good (justified anger). Differences in children, boys and girls vein taught how to deal with anger. Child rearing and parenting styles varied with new information, anger was encouraged in boys. The depression and job loss created anger in parents leading to physical outburst against children by fathers, physical sports such as boxing and football became popular as they allowed for channeled anger to be expressed.
Scheff, T. & Retzinger, S. (2003). Hitler’s appeal:Aleination, shame-rage, and revenge. In M. Silberman (Ed.), Violence and society (pp.30-45). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Part 1: Hitler’s Appeal:Alienation, Shame-Rage, and Revenge.

“The readings in this section explore the role that anger plays in defending social institutions against threats to their integrity. Anger is a socially constructed emotion to the extent that the feelings associated with this emotion derive from the relationships that give them meaning.”pp.1 “…we see how some individuals may come to internalize anger as a part of their socially constructed identity. Unable to acknowledge the source of his shame, the angry person directs his rage at the perceived symbols of his humiliation.” pp.2

Hitler created a viscous cycle with his public of humiliation, rage and vengeful aggression. This section reviews what made Hitler ‘successful’ in creating the cycle, discussing the history and present culture and state of society at the time, Hitlers personality and an over view of shame, pride and aggression.

Lane, R. (2003). Murder in America: 1865-1917. In M. Silberman (Ed.), Violence and society (pp.49-57). Upper River Saddle, New Jersey:Prentice Hall.

“The chapters in Part II explain how and why this variation occurs; i.e., they describe the social structure of violence… Each explore the direct effect of particular social institutions on the production of violence.” pp.47
SMR & Urbanization
19-20th century classic period in american history.

North, East, Midwest had rapid industrialization.

South - slavery was replaced by domination. wanted black people to work as closely to slavery as possible. Intimidation through assault and murder.

1865: White/Black homicides - “black mans life was worth no more than a stray dog.” pp.50

Tenn: 33 Arkansas: 29 Louisiana: 70

KKK- at first were patrollers specialized night watch that roamed country sides looking for runaways and blacks.

1877: south remained most murderous part of the country.

“Jurisprudence law” american bar association - outline of laws in which someone could get away with murder (ok to kill a wives lover but not a husbands).

1878: Lynchings, South used murder as social policy.

85% of southern victims were black

By early 20th century, use of murder as an example wasn't needed, blacks were in their place, dependent economically and politically powerless.

SMR (suicide/murder rate) - Homicide high,, suicide low: suicide udder ratio divided by suicide rate by sum of both rates.

Homicide and suicide are extremes of aggression, once in and one out.

“…homicide is a characteristic of people of ‘honor’, suicide of people of ‘dignity’.” pp.55


Currie, E. (2003). Understanding crime: Inequality and community. In M Silberman (Ed.), Violence and society (pp.58-65). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey:Prentice Hall.


“The chapters in Part II explain how and why this variation occurs; i.e., they describe the social structure of violence… Each explore the direct effect of particular social institutions on the production of violence.” pp.47

1983 Homicide Rates: (normally off per 100,000)

East St. Louis, Illinois - 100**

Oaklawn, Chicago - 0 ** population of 50,000

Compton, Ca- 50

Thousand Oaks, Ca - 0 *** population of 80,000

1983: Murders Rape Robberies

Highland Park, Illinois 0 1 7

Highland Park, Michigan 27 55 796+

SES -division of population into 2 classes: high and low. Non-whites, not matter their SES, committed more crimes

Relationship between crime and SES is linear.

Statistical evidence subject to bias. Requires us to believe criminal justice system discriminates against poor and minority offenders.

Majority of homicides are intra-racial, not inter-racial. Race is the most important determinant of the risks of death by violence.

Victimization studies - can be biased. victims misconceptions or falsified statements.

Caputti, J. (1989). The sexual politics of murder. In M. Silberman (Ed.), Violence and society (pp. 66-78). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

“The chapters in Part II explain how and why this variation occurs; i.e., they describe the social structure of violence… Each explore the direct effect of particular social institutions on the production of violence.” pp.47

Sexual murder is the expression of sexuality as a form of power. The FBI calls sex murder, “recreational murder”.

Gynocide - “systemic crippling, raping, and/or killing of women by men…the relentless violence perpetrated by the gender class men on the gender class women.” pp.67

Sexual murder is the expression of sexuality as a form of power.

under patriarchy, a woman not under the protection of a man is at risk / a legitimate target of male sexual aggression. (a legitimate target is learned by males at a young age. Women without a guy, or without friends).

Ted Bundy - in 1984 there were at least 35 and as many as 100 serial killers like Bundy in the US
About 1% or less of the population will be killed by a serial killer.

20th century brought the mutilation serial sex murderer- Jack the ripper: idealized by patriarchal culture, reaffirms the terrorizing of women and empowering men.

Serial Killers: are not all white, not all motivated by sex, have a definite geographical range that spirals outwards from the center, can stop (completely or take breaks), are not considered mentally ill by the law, do not want to be caught. Have Patterns of victims.

Pornography affects criminal behavior.

Diane Russell proposed a theoretical model of the role of pornography and violence toward women in 1988.

“Erotica - sexual representations premised on equality…Russell argues that porn predisposes or intensifies a predisposition in some men to rape women and that it can undermine some men’s internal or social inhibitions against acting out sexually violent behavior.” pp. 73

Sexual murder is a property crime (woman as property). Police are not as motivated when victim is lower class. Investigation is dependent on public support, cooperation and interest.

Each year approximately 1,500 (30%) women are killed by husbands / lovers.

Mass murder = 4+ victims at same location

Serial Murderer - 3+ victims by same person

Serial Killer - unlawful killing of 2+ people at different times and different locations

Part 3-7: Righteous Slaughter


Katz, J. (1988). Righteous slaughter. In M. Silberman (Ed.), Violence and society (pp. 81-95). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
This chapter discusses violence resulting in death usually, and the reasons as to why violence takes place. Killing as a reaction to humiliation and rage in defense of “the good”.
Criminal homicide - impassioned attempt to perform a sacrifice to embody one or another version of the good.

Moralistic rage - often from foolish or incomprehensible perspective.

“When parents beat their children (kill them), they are at best, an indirect/cumbersome way of ridding themselves of the problems the children are causing.” pp. 81

Parents beating their children honors parental authority. “extensions of ordinary means of enforcing discipline.” pp.81

Killers have a self-righteous attitude (example: husbands beating killing their wives lovers and women killing their husbands after being beaten).

“Flangrante delicto” - in blazing offense

A lack of pre-meditation can lead to bad or no escape of a crime. These are often ‘impassioned’ acts of crime, done so without regard to the penalties,

Righteous slaughter comes from conventionally humiliating or victims self conscious efforts to ridicule, degrade, defiant, disrespectful.

Humiliation -“humus”, makes you feel down, small. root word means from ground, soil, nature, downs one’s being.

Rage - up; starts in the stomach, moves to the head, “blow your top”, “keep your lid on”.

Family violence is the hidden dark figure, every year unreported family violence occurs: 1out of 6 couples commits at least 1 violent act against a partner. 1 out of every 200 couples use a knife or gun. 2+ million h ave be beaten by a spouse.

Part 3 - 8: Homicide as custom and crime

Lundsgaarde, H.P. (1977). Homicide as a custom and crime. In M. Silberman (Ed.), Violence and society (pp. 96-109). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

“Nullem crimen sine lege - no crime without law” pp. 96

Homicide is a crime if the act is determined unlawful.

Distinctions between murder: With or without malice ; homicide by negligence; justifiable; excusable.

“To protect and vindicate the interests of the public as a whole, by punishing the offender or eliminating him from society, by reforming him or teaching him not to repeat it, and by deterring others from imitating him” pp. 96 . “The victim in a homicide is always a silent and fictitious witness for the state” pp. 96. “Mens rae” -guilty mind (evil meaning). An “ordinary” person is the baseline used to measure mental capacity.

Eskimo - only punish a killer if act threatened the collective whole.Westerners - focus on intent and motive instead of effect on community.

Justifiable Homicide: Texas penal code- 2 sub categories- #1-6 killings that resort from official law enforcement. 7-11 killings that resort from private citizens.

1. killing a public enemy 2. executing a convict 3. acting in response to a lawful order/directive by a police officer 4. aiding a police officer 5. preventing the escape of a person legally apprehended or captured 6. preventing successful completion of a criminal or felonious act 8. responding by a husband to provocation by an act of adultery 9. defending a person or property 10. defending oneself against unlawful act 11. defending or upholding property rights.

A deviant/ antisocial fails to understand social rules and sanctions.

Part 3- 9: Crime as a social control.

Black, D. (1983). Crime as a social control. In M. Silberman (Ed.), Violence and society (pp. 110-120). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey:Prentice Hall.
Crime and violence used in societies as a way of controlling others acts of crime and violence (mainly in cultures without law, but versions are found in modern societies as well).

Crime used a control mechanism for/in response to a crime/criminal act. Used as conflict management, punishment (even capital punishment). “Self help - defines or responds to the conduct of someone else as deviant, crime is social control” pp.110

Tribal and traditional cultures that do not have formal laws use crime as the social control (homicide, feuds, fights, beatings as well as property destruction/confiscation). “Homicide is a reaction to crime, not a crime itself” pp.110. Most violence is inflicted on men by other men. Property destruction - crops, animals, gardens.

Modern society- “state defines someone with a grievance as a criminal…the offense lies in how the grievance was pursued, the crime is self-help.” pp. 115

Absence of law/authority has been used to explain high rates of violence.

“Law and self help are unevenly distributed across social space; each is relevant to the behavior of the other.” pp.118

Part 3 - 10: Honor and violence in the old south.

Wyatt-Brown, B. (1986). Honor and violence in the old south. In m Silberman (Ed.), Violence and society (pp.121-122). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Honor - contradiction - “those who have power to demand, and to hold, esteem and authority are able to do so because the entire social order has sanctioned their rule and called it moral.” pp. 121

Christian and humanistic ethical systems drawn between moral and physical power.

Pre civil war: honor was related to individual and community; courtesies, rituals, deeds. Words could cause a challenge to duel. Language of politics was not devoted to rational explanation; meant to remind listeners of common principles rather than challenge existing beliefs.

Whites in the south would not let Northerners take over without fighting, if they were overtaken at least they would “saved our honor and lost nothing…fear was not death, for dying with honor would bring glory” pp.121

Fear was public humiliation = forced the person to admit to shame. People are expected to have a sense of shame. “shamelessness signified a disregard for both honor and disgrace; when shame is imposed, honor is stripped away” pp. 121

Free and unfree culture (slave) prompts awareness of moral, as political and social stratification. Humiliation and subjugation of black people.

Part 4 - 11: Marriage license as a hitting license
Straus,M., Gelles,R., & Steinmetz,S. (1980). The marriage license as a hitting license. In M. Silberman (Ed.), Violence and Society. New Jersey: Upper Saddle River. (pp.125-135)
Violence in marriage and the equal rates of violence between men and women. Study separates specific acts, rates of who commits the acts more.

Physical violence between family members happens more often than between anyone else.

Study: 2,143 husband and wives

8 violent acts studied : 1 out of every 6 couples commits at least 1 violent act

Throwing items: 7/100 in year previous to survey

1/6 at some point in relationship

Slapping: 7% in year previous to survey

18% at some point in relationship

Push/Shove/Grab: 13 in year previous to survey

1/4 at some point in relationship

“Beating up”: 1 or 2/100 in year previous to survey

1/20 at some point in relationship

Knife/Gun: 1/200 in year previous to survey

1/27 at some point in relationship

** study did not include divorced persons who were not remarried, only current relationships were evaluated.

1975: “1.7 million had faced significant other with knife/gun over 2 million had been beaten up by significant other”. pg 127

Underreporting happens for a couple of reasons; violence is ‘normal’ for the family and doesn't warrant reporting or shame in the event happening.

Wives have higher rates for throwing, kicking, hitting. Husbands were higher for shoving, slapping, beating, pushing and using a weapon.

1960’s /70’s feminist movement deemed “wife beating” a political term.

“Normal violence” is where the line is drawn in individual families.

wife beating index & husband beating index

1/26 wives are beaten each year and the same or more amount of husbands are beaten as well!

1/3 victims are isolated incidents; 1/5 husbands & 1/8 wives attack twice; 47% of husbands & 53% wives beating spouses did so 3x + a week.

Single Beatings, reasons:1.debases human life 2. physical danger involved 3. struggle of power in the family

physical force- learned as a child, is the “if all else fails” : 1/8 couples experienced at least 1 beating during marriage. Beatings by husbands are more dangerous and repeat more often than wives. “women are in the weaker, more vulnerable position in respect to violence in the family” - pg 132. Social Norms - couples slapping is considered normal, necessary or good by 1/3 of husbands and 1/4 of wives in study. Large population of husbands and wives consider violence in a marriage normal.. Most common act is slapping & pushing. Large portion of violence that occurs are acts that cause serious injury or death.

This study shows that the traditional idea of men hitting more than women is incorrect, in fact wives hit just as much (or more) than husbands. Men do have the physical qualities to cause more harm to their spouse.


Part 4: 12- Spare the Rod?

Straus,M., Gelles, R., & Steinmetz, S. (1980). Spare the rod? In M. Silberman (Ed.), Violence and Society. New Jersey: Upper Saddle River. (pp.136-147)

Review and discussion regarding their study in 1975 interviewing couples/parents about abuse to children.

Rates and types of violence of child abuse.

“Stubborn child laws” - in colonial times these laws allowed parents to kill kids who were beyond control.

1960’s legislation to define illegal, physical violence toward children.

Hitting is assumed as a part of parenting. Goal is hit hard enough so that the “hurt” over powers the desire to continue the action warranting the hit.

Study chose a 12 year old to use as the “control” age for the study.

70% slapping/spanking was/is necessary

77% slapping/spanking was/is normal

71% slapping/spanking was/is good

Childless people view slapping/spanking as necessary,normal and good more than parents.

Age of parents depends on their choice to spank/slap their children.

Reasons: 1. parents get older and grow out of hitting their kids. 2. younger respondents dont have kids. 3. older respondents with older kids. 80% + of respondents under 30 found that slapping/spanking as necessary, normal and/or good.

Older respondents were witness to violence on tv and grew up with WWI, depression, WWII, etc.



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