Comparative Deviance and Criminology

• NCJ Number: 86106
• Journal: International Journal of Comparative Sociology Volume: 22 Issue: 3 and 4 Dated: (September-December 1981) Pages: 237-256
• Author(s): C Scott; M S Zatz
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

Researchers oriented toward the conflict theory of deviance, more than those oriented toward the consensus theory, have the potential for contributing much to the study of deviance, as they regard the nature of crime and deviance and their official measures as variables rather than constants.

Abstract

Consensus-oriented researchers have attempted to demonstrate the universal nature of crime and deviance and the applicability of their theories cross-culturally through the examination of individuals. Researchers working within the conflict tradition, on the other hand, have directed their efforts toward establishing the historical and cultural relativity of normative violations through the examination of structural factors. Consensus theorists have used American definitions of crime and deviance, implicitly assuming that what is defined as a normative violation is generally agreed upon both within and between cultures. Such an ethnocentric bias does not allow for cultural variations in definitions or in perceptions of what constitutes inappropriate behavior; nor does it consider the possibility of within societal variations in these definitions. This latter oversight raises the issue of the appropriateness of using official statistics as indicators of what is defined as deviant or criminal within a given society. Recent research within the conflict tradition demonstrates that definitions of deviance and crime vary both cross-culturally and within societies, depending on the social, political, and economic structures of the units considered. Conflict researchers recognize the need to include these considerations in their cross-cultural research endeavors. Further comparative research within the conflict framework has the potential for making substantial contributions to the sociological study of deviance and crime. Fifty references are listed.