NCJ Number
26996
Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CRIMINOLOGY AND PENOLOGY Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (MAY 1975) Pages: 155-161
Date Published
1975
Length
7 pages
Annotation
THE AUTHOR THEORIZES THAT SOME CASES OF CRIMINAL DEVIANCE REPRESENT A SYSTEMATIC PROCESS OF SELF-DENIGRATION IN WHICH CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES ARE USED FOR POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT OF THE OFFENDER'S NEGATIVE SELF CONCEPT.
Abstract
FOR SUCH PEOPLE, EXPOSURE TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WILL REINFORCE RATHER THAN ALTER DEVIANT BEHAVIOR PATTERNS. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THESE 'LOSERS' MUST BE IDENTIFIED AND ALTERNATIVE METHODS MUST BE DEVELOPED FOR ALTERING THEIR BEHAVIOR PATTERNS, FOR THE THREAT OF PUNISHMENT AND LABELLING HAS NO DETERRENT EFFECT FOR THEM.