NCJ Number
166320
Journal
Crime, Law and Social Change Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: (1996/97) Pages: 101-124
Date Published
1997
Length
24 pages
Annotation
The author argues that, during key periods of social change in American history, attempts to reform deviants and the debate over how to do it play an important role in redefining social values and norms and achieving a new consensus on those values and norms.
Abstract
The period from 1968 to the present is identified as a key period of social change. This period is compared with two other periods in American history, the Antebellum Period (1820-1860) and the Progressive Period (1890-1920). Both periods witnessed a widespread sense of growing social disorder; fear of "dangerous classes" in urban areas; the belief that cities were being overrun by immigrants; and a general feeling that crime, poverty, and delinquency were out of control. The widespread sense of social breakdown during both periods represented a response to fundamental changes in society and resulted in significant social transformations. Basic changes in institutions of social control played a significant role in social transformations during the earlier periods. The author indicates the current period from 1968 to the present is strikingly similar to the previous two periods, in terms of the widespread popular fear of social breakdown and fundamental social changes. The impact of reforms on social control is explored in relation to general social transformations related to conservative versus progressive reforms, social tensions, religious influences, juvenile delinquency, incarceration, court decisions, the educational system, information technology, and social policies. 73 references