NCJ Number
70429
Journal
Recherche en sciences humains Dated: (1976/1977) Pages: 191-201
Date Published
1979
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Trends in French research on deviance and social control are reviewed.
Abstract
In recent years research has diversified and the focus has shifted from the etiology of deviant behavior to forms of social regulation. Current etiological research attempts to find the roots of deviance in the individual personality, either from a psychiatric or a clinical perspective. In the course of the shift of emphasis, many researchers have shown that the statistics which are generally used say little about deviance and are frequently affected by official intervention. Research concerning social control concentrates on the establishment and acceptance of norms. Specialized official agencies of social control, the impact of intervention, and attitudes toward crime are popular subjects of study. However, informal mechanisms of social control still require intensive investigation. Recommendations for further research efforts include establishment of clear theories on deviance as the basis for new research, homogenization of the level of research, collection of complete libraries of pertinent publications, reduction of atomization and of research quality variation among specialized research centers, and increased exchange of research information on an international level. Notes and an extensive bibliography are furnished. --in French.