As promised, below is the passage from a paper I wrote and presented with a colleague at a conference in Washington, D.C. in August 1995. The title of the paper is " The JFK Assassination and the Failure of Institutions: The Sociological Significance of a Major Historical Event." The Conclusion began:
"In a seminal essay written many years ago at the height of a period of critical self-examination in American sociology, Alexander Liazos called upon his colleagues specializing in the study of criminal and deviant behavior to look beyond the individuals who are typically studied -- in his words, the "nuts, sluts, and preverts" -- and focus more on the less visible, but deeper, institutional problems. He focused not on individual deviants and their behavior, but rather on what he called "covert institutional violence." This covert institutional violence represents the unrecognized institutional actions which had destructive consequences for society and can properly be regarded as major instances of deviant and/or criminal behavior."
"A more subtle form of "covert institutional violence" might be called, after Liazos, "covert institutional fraud." Throughout our discussion of the failure of various institutions to deal properly and honestly with the assassination of President Kennedy, we have documented numerous instances of such "covert institutional fraud." From the Warren Commission, to law enforcement, to the legal profession and judiciary, and finally to the media and science, an account of the assassination has been foisted on the American people which is a knowing fraud. Although countless books and articles have been written on the Kennedy assassination, this fraud has been little exposed, hence covert. Only in the works of a handful of responsible critics, critics who have been virtually ignored by the media all these years, has this story been told. This "covert institutional fraud" not only reveals serious flaws in major institutions, but on the whole continues to erode the foundation of trust and confidence on which our government and other major institutions depend."
Remember, I quoted the above passage in the context of illustrating the significance of Liazos' 1972 essay, "The Poverty of the Sociology of Deviance: Nuts, Sluts, and Preverts," which, in turn, is relevant to the point the author of your text makes about what he points out are the limitations of the so-called "purist legal view of crime." (p. 11) In this respect, I agree with the author of the text that: " A sociological view of crime does not (and should not) restrict its concept of criminality to those convicted of crime in a legal sense."
"...obviously we must not loosely throw around the label criminal, but neither should we ignore dangerous acts that do great harm, simply because the criminal justice system chooses to ignore them." (p. 13)
Let me add about Joel Best's article, "Telling the Truth About Damned Lies and Statistics," that, as he says on p. 64: "The solution to the problem of bad statistics is not to ignore all statistics, or to assume that every number is false. Some statistics are bad, but others are pretty good, and we need statistics -- good statistics -- to talk sensibly about social problems. The solution, then, is not to give up on statistics, but to become better judges of the numbers we encounter. We need to think critically about statistics -- at least critically enough to suspect that the number of children gunned down hasn't been doubling each year since 1950." And that is where that list of questions (p. 65) comes in which I began quoting as class was winding down.
Please be sure to incorporate the above comments in your notes. We'll see you next Tuesday, AND DON'T FORGET TO POST YOUR COMMENT ON THE BLOG IN REFERENCE TO THE FIRST INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
More Reflections on the Definition of Deviance & First Individual Exercise
REFLECTIONS ON DEFINITION OF DEVIANCE
I hope that the last issue I got into yesterday was not confusing. First, let me say again that the author's definition of deviance at the bottom of p. 6: "...behavior that is outside the range of normal societal toleration." is ok. But when he talks about definitions of deviance being relative to time, place, and person, he seems to endorse a more RELATIVISTIC standard which leaves the door open for almost anything to be considered deviant. It is like Matza's definition of deviance as "straying from A path or standard," which I believe is unacceptable. Let me add just a few additional observations about this:
(1) Aside from the fact that such an extreme relativistic definition is tantamount to no definition at all (because anything could qualify as being deviant), I am also troubled by the reliance on attitudes and opinions which we are all entitled to have but which, unfortunately, all too often are based on myths, biases, prejudices and not on fact or real evidence. I would hazard a guess that most attitudes and opinions people have could not be considered "informed."
(a) For example, attitudes which regarded racial integration as deviant were for decades (even centuries) based more on racial prejudice and myths than anything else.
(b) Although there may be some value in knowing the range of opinions on what is considered deviant and how these vary over time, I would insist that it is not a valid basis for defining deviance, or even more so for exploring the implications of deviance for the larger social order.
(c) Finally, I believe it is important to take a CRITICAL approach to what a society or certain individuals may consider deviant, just as I would also say we should be critical of what constitutes crime, since ultimately that is also based on attitudes and opinions which are the basis of the laws which define certain acts as criminal.
PLEASE INSERT THE ABOVE OBSERVATIONS IN YOUR NOTES.
FIRST INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE: In Chapter 2: General Characteristics of Crime and Criminals, the author considers the correlation of crime with numerous social variables such as age, gender, class, race, etc.. In this context, I want each of you to identify any ONE point the author makes which you found surprising or startling and briefly tell why it was surprising or startling to you. I am only looking for a paragraph or two at most, which you will post on this blog as a COMMENT. This exercise is worth 5 points, and I would like you to do this BY NEXT FRIDAY, SEPT. 18TH.
I hope that the last issue I got into yesterday was not confusing. First, let me say again that the author's definition of deviance at the bottom of p. 6: "...behavior that is outside the range of normal societal toleration." is ok. But when he talks about definitions of deviance being relative to time, place, and person, he seems to endorse a more RELATIVISTIC standard which leaves the door open for almost anything to be considered deviant. It is like Matza's definition of deviance as "straying from A path or standard," which I believe is unacceptable. Let me add just a few additional observations about this:
(1) Aside from the fact that such an extreme relativistic definition is tantamount to no definition at all (because anything could qualify as being deviant), I am also troubled by the reliance on attitudes and opinions which we are all entitled to have but which, unfortunately, all too often are based on myths, biases, prejudices and not on fact or real evidence. I would hazard a guess that most attitudes and opinions people have could not be considered "informed."
(a) For example, attitudes which regarded racial integration as deviant were for decades (even centuries) based more on racial prejudice and myths than anything else.
(b) Although there may be some value in knowing the range of opinions on what is considered deviant and how these vary over time, I would insist that it is not a valid basis for defining deviance, or even more so for exploring the implications of deviance for the larger social order.
(c) Finally, I believe it is important to take a CRITICAL approach to what a society or certain individuals may consider deviant, just as I would also say we should be critical of what constitutes crime, since ultimately that is also based on attitudes and opinions which are the basis of the laws which define certain acts as criminal.
PLEASE INSERT THE ABOVE OBSERVATIONS IN YOUR NOTES.
FIRST INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE: In Chapter 2: General Characteristics of Crime and Criminals, the author considers the correlation of crime with numerous social variables such as age, gender, class, race, etc.. In this context, I want each of you to identify any ONE point the author makes which you found surprising or startling and briefly tell why it was surprising or startling to you. I am only looking for a paragraph or two at most, which you will post on this blog as a COMMENT. This exercise is worth 5 points, and I would like you to do this BY NEXT FRIDAY, SEPT. 18TH.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Welcome to Soc. 220 Blog for Fall '09
Welcome to this blog for Sociology 220: Sociology of Criminal and Deviant Behavior for the Fall '09. Let me fill you in on what we will be using this blog for this semester:
(1) This blog is intended to give you another outlet for comments, discussion, and questions. In addition, I will be posting individual and "family" (or group) exercises from time to time for which you can earn activities points. For example, one family activity we will be doing prior to the midterm and final exams will be making up exam questions in which you will be called upon to contribute questions for both the midterm and final exams which will then be posted on this blog.
(2) This blog will also be used for occasional extra credit opportunities such as posting some brief reflections on an outside lecture or film you may attend that is relevant to this class.
(3) I may also use this blog to post lecture notes or comments relevant to what we covered in class, especially if I get behind. But do NOT expect me to do this all the time.
(4) THIS BLOG WILL BE THE MAIN VEHICLE I'LL USE TO CARRY ON CLASS IN THE EVENT THAT I COME DOWN WITH SWINE FLU.
(5) Finally, I will usually remind you in class if I have posted anything on the blog, but it would still be a good idea to check it a couple times a week regardless.
That's all for now, but I will soon (by the end of this week) have a little exercise for you which will involve posting some comments on this blog, so be looking for that.
(1) This blog is intended to give you another outlet for comments, discussion, and questions. In addition, I will be posting individual and "family" (or group) exercises from time to time for which you can earn activities points. For example, one family activity we will be doing prior to the midterm and final exams will be making up exam questions in which you will be called upon to contribute questions for both the midterm and final exams which will then be posted on this blog.
(2) This blog will also be used for occasional extra credit opportunities such as posting some brief reflections on an outside lecture or film you may attend that is relevant to this class.
(3) I may also use this blog to post lecture notes or comments relevant to what we covered in class, especially if I get behind. But do NOT expect me to do this all the time.
(4) THIS BLOG WILL BE THE MAIN VEHICLE I'LL USE TO CARRY ON CLASS IN THE EVENT THAT I COME DOWN WITH SWINE FLU.
(5) Finally, I will usually remind you in class if I have posted anything on the blog, but it would still be a good idea to check it a couple times a week regardless.
That's all for now, but I will soon (by the end of this week) have a little exercise for you which will involve posting some comments on this blog, so be looking for that.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Family Questions for the Final Exam
It is now about 12:40, and I have accepted the last of the family questions (with the exception of a couple Blue family members). Below are the questions and answers I have accepted, with some editing. They are in no particular order and since no bonus points are involved, I am not going to designate the various families. But again, these, along with the questions from your Crime Types' reports, will be on the final exam which is Monday 2-5PM.
1. What was the ultimate (and preposterous) goal of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, which included the Byrne Grant program? (1)
Answer: to create a drug-free America by 1995.
2. In Gary Gardner's letter to the Tulia defendants, what TWO sound legal recommendations did he make? (2)
Answer: (a) to seek a change of venue (move the trial out of Tulia)
(b) that they research Tom Coleman's background
3. In the context of the drug war video we saw, what was Dr. Robert DuPont's plan to help reduce the crime rate in the Washington D.C. area? (1)
Answer: deal with the problem of heroin addiction, which a high percentage of prisoners in the D.C. jails tested positive for.
4. What alternative drug did Dr. Jaffe promote to help heroin addicts deal with their addictions? (1)
Answer: methadone
5. What is the only type of crime in which the U.S. compares favorably with other nations? (1)
Answer: burglary
6. In introducing the drug issue, I spoke briefly about a book entitled, Buzzed. How did I characterize the authors' basic argument? (1)
Answer: Just Say Know!
7. Give TWO reasons why Tom Coleman's past and character should have been investigated. (2)
Answer: Any TWO of the following: (1) no experience in undercover work, (2) previously charged with stealing, (3) walked off jobs twice, (4) was claimed to be a racist.
That's it. See you Monday afternoon.
1. What was the ultimate (and preposterous) goal of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, which included the Byrne Grant program? (1)
Answer: to create a drug-free America by 1995.
2. In Gary Gardner's letter to the Tulia defendants, what TWO sound legal recommendations did he make? (2)
Answer: (a) to seek a change of venue (move the trial out of Tulia)
(b) that they research Tom Coleman's background
3. In the context of the drug war video we saw, what was Dr. Robert DuPont's plan to help reduce the crime rate in the Washington D.C. area? (1)
Answer: deal with the problem of heroin addiction, which a high percentage of prisoners in the D.C. jails tested positive for.
4. What alternative drug did Dr. Jaffe promote to help heroin addicts deal with their addictions? (1)
Answer: methadone
5. What is the only type of crime in which the U.S. compares favorably with other nations? (1)
Answer: burglary
6. In introducing the drug issue, I spoke briefly about a book entitled, Buzzed. How did I characterize the authors' basic argument? (1)
Answer: Just Say Know!
7. Give TWO reasons why Tom Coleman's past and character should have been investigated. (2)
Answer: Any TWO of the following: (1) no experience in undercover work, (2) previously charged with stealing, (3) walked off jobs twice, (4) was claimed to be a racist.
That's it. See you Monday afternoon.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Reminders & Final Family Activity
REMINDERS: As you should all know, ESSAY III on Tulia is due tomorrow (Tues. 12/2). Please make every effort to get it in so that I may grade them and get them back to you by the end of the week. Also, for those of you who saw the documentary on Tulia during our class before the break and decided to do the extra credit assignment, you need to turn those in tomorrow as well. Finally, even though we have just two classes left, I am still planning to cover the whole of the book on Tulia which you should be well into, if not finished reading by now.
FINAL FAMILY ACTIVITY: Since we've only had a few individual and family activities this semester, I am going to have to make this final family activity worth much more than previous ones in order to meet the 25 point total for this aspect of the course. This will involve making up final exam questions. Of course, you have already made up some questions based on your Crime Types' reports (which will, of course, be on the test). Now you need to come up with more questions based on my lectures on those parts of Crime Types not covered in your reports, including my follow-up comments on your reports which I posted on the blog. Questions may also come from class lectures on the drug war, and Tulia. I want each family to come up with 5 SHORT-ANSWER questions (and answers) which you will submit to me in an email NO LATER THAN FRIDAY NOON. I WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY QUESTIONS AFTER THAT SINCE I HAVE TO MAKE UP THE FINAL EXAM THIS WEEKEND. I will select at least one question from each family, and possibly more, and will post these on the blog over the weekend. You will need to check that out since these questions will be on the final exam. This exercise is worth 14 points (in order for all our activities and exercises to total 25). You have to participate to earn these points. Those family members missing-in-action will not earn these points. I will give you time in class tomorrow to begin the brainstorming process. I will also review the new families.
FINAL FAMILY ACTIVITY: Since we've only had a few individual and family activities this semester, I am going to have to make this final family activity worth much more than previous ones in order to meet the 25 point total for this aspect of the course. This will involve making up final exam questions. Of course, you have already made up some questions based on your Crime Types' reports (which will, of course, be on the test). Now you need to come up with more questions based on my lectures on those parts of Crime Types not covered in your reports, including my follow-up comments on your reports which I posted on the blog. Questions may also come from class lectures on the drug war, and Tulia. I want each family to come up with 5 SHORT-ANSWER questions (and answers) which you will submit to me in an email NO LATER THAN FRIDAY NOON. I WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY QUESTIONS AFTER THAT SINCE I HAVE TO MAKE UP THE FINAL EXAM THIS WEEKEND. I will select at least one question from each family, and possibly more, and will post these on the blog over the weekend. You will need to check that out since these questions will be on the final exam. This exercise is worth 14 points (in order for all our activities and exercises to total 25). You have to participate to earn these points. Those family members missing-in-action will not earn these points. I will give you time in class tomorrow to begin the brainstorming process. I will also review the new families.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Reminders & Next Tuesday 11/25
Several people have not turned in the Crime Types paper and need to do so ASAP. The clock is ticking.... Remember, I take one point off per day if something is late and you have no legitimate excuse for it being late. Also, you should be reading Tulia. I began to talk about it in class this past Tuesday. We will cover the whole of this book before all is said and done for the semester. And for the sake of ESSAY III, you need to read well into it. That essay will be due on the first class after the break.
On Tuesday 11/25 I will show the documentary on Tulia. It is pretty good, but by no means a substitute for the comprehensive coverage of this case in the book you are reading. To earn 4 points extra credit (which many of you could use), I want you to write a one-page response to seeing the documentary in which I want you to comment on the documentary as a whole and bring out ONE point where the book provides more detail or background on any aspect of this documentary. If you choose to do this, it will be due NO LATER THAN THE FIRST CLASS AFTER THE BREAK (Tues. 12/2).
On Tuesday 11/25 I will show the documentary on Tulia. It is pretty good, but by no means a substitute for the comprehensive coverage of this case in the book you are reading. To earn 4 points extra credit (which many of you could use), I want you to write a one-page response to seeing the documentary in which I want you to comment on the documentary as a whole and bring out ONE point where the book provides more detail or background on any aspect of this documentary. If you choose to do this, it will be due NO LATER THAN THE FIRST CLASS AFTER THE BREAK (Tues. 12/2).
Monday, November 17, 2008
Drug War Video, Tulia, & ESSAY III
Instead of posting my follow-up comments on the drug war video we saw, I'll take some time out to highlight some points in class on Tuesday (11/18). We will also begin to talk about Tulia. You need to start reading that. I plan to cover it all before the semester is over. Also, as you can see below, the topic of your final out-of-class essay deals with Tulia.
__________________________
Sociology 220
Essay III
11/17/08
A. In the context of the early trials and convictions, which carried exceedingly long sentences (basically up to Part Three, p. 179), I want you to write an essay on how such a miscarriage of justice was possible in the first place. Specifically, I want you to identify and discuss any TWO factors which contributed to this miscarriage of justice. And between these two factors, which ONE do you believe represents the greatest threat to the proper functioning of our court system in general. (Note: you do not necessarily have to read all the way through p. 179 in order to complete this assignment.)
B. The essay should be roughly 3 pages. Be sure to indicate the page number(s) of any passage(s) from the book which you quote in your essay.
C. This essay is due on TUESDAY, DEC. 2ND, which is the first class after we come back from Thanksgiving break. This essay is worth 25 points.
__________________________
I will be handing back essay II on Tuesday (11/18). For those who have not yet turned that essay in, tomorrow will be the deadline to get it in.
Also, don't forget that the Crime Types Paper is due on Thursday (11/20), at which time each of you will be called on to give a brief overview of your paper in class.
__________________________
Sociology 220
Essay III
11/17/08
A. In the context of the early trials and convictions, which carried exceedingly long sentences (basically up to Part Three, p. 179), I want you to write an essay on how such a miscarriage of justice was possible in the first place. Specifically, I want you to identify and discuss any TWO factors which contributed to this miscarriage of justice. And between these two factors, which ONE do you believe represents the greatest threat to the proper functioning of our court system in general. (Note: you do not necessarily have to read all the way through p. 179 in order to complete this assignment.)
B. The essay should be roughly 3 pages. Be sure to indicate the page number(s) of any passage(s) from the book which you quote in your essay.
C. This essay is due on TUESDAY, DEC. 2ND, which is the first class after we come back from Thanksgiving break. This essay is worth 25 points.
__________________________
I will be handing back essay II on Tuesday (11/18). For those who have not yet turned that essay in, tomorrow will be the deadline to get it in.
Also, don't forget that the Crime Types Paper is due on Thursday (11/20), at which time each of you will be called on to give a brief overview of your paper in class.
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