NCJ Number
143933
Journal
Deviance et societe Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (Trim./June 1993) Pages: 129-161
Date Published
1993
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This theoretical reflection analyzes and synthesizes different view points of how criminologists have perceived the subject of criminological inquiry.
Abstract
Among numerous opinions, two different models of criminology have evolved since the 1960's. The first model studies the etiology of crime, while the second concentrates on society's reaction to crime. The paradox resulting from these opposing views is unsatisfactory. In an attempt to resolve the dichotomy, the article uses the works of Veyne, Foucault, and Searle to elucidate the idea that crime is a social construction. For example, a person killing another person clearly commits a real act; however, this act does not become a crime until society considers the killing of another person a crime. The author also uses a drawing depicting a young girl and an old woman at the same time, as well as a study by Yves Barel to suggest that, from an epistemological persepctive, a new integrative paradigm is justifiable. Because of its paradoxical nature, the subject of criminological study may be understood in different ways: sometimes as a problematic situation, sometimes as a social construction of crime, and sometimes as a total phenomenon. 95 references