NCJ Number
138069
Date Published
1990
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This chapter re-examines deterrence theory in the context of the more recent social science literature and introduces a social-control framework better able to represent current research findings in the alcohol and traffic safety field.
Abstract
The classical deterrence model posits that the effectiveness of the legal threat is a function of the perceived certainty, severity, and celerity of punishment in the situation of an offense. This model is based on the assumption that humans are rational, hedonistic beings who know in every case what is harmful to them, so that based upon a knowledge of every law and sanction and the fear of sanctions, humans are able to choose and control their behaviors to avoid adverse consequences. It is not surprising that, given this simplistic view of human behavior, research on increased sanction severity in the United States has found little evidence of a deterrent effect (Block 1983; Ross 1982). An alternative concept of deterrence was introduced in the 1970's by social scientists and more recently embraced by alcohol and traffic safety researchers. This new model places deterrence in a broad context of social control, wherein legal threats constitute but one mechanism that may result in compliance with desirable behavioral expectations. The other mechanisms are usually called extralegal factors or informal sanctions. These include criminal self-image, criminal life organization, group support, differential association, and moral commitment. An effective system to deter drunk driving must have a broad approach that targets relevant personality and environmental factors that are conducive to deterrence. 56 references