NCJ Number
14977
Date Published
1974
Length
40 pages
Annotation
DISCUSSES FACTORS BEARING ON THE RELATIVITIES OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SANCTIONS IN MODIFYING DEVIANT BEHAVIOR.
Abstract
TWO TYPES OF BEHAVIOR ARE DEFINED FOR THE PURPOSES OF DISCUSSION - INSTRUMENTAL BEHAVIOR, WHICH IS A MEANS TO AN END NOT EXPIERIENCED IN THE ACT ITSELF, AND EXPRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, WHICH FULFILLS SOME NEED IN THE ACTOR THROUGH THE ACT ITSELF. IT IS CONSIDERED THAT BEHAVIORS THAT ARE INSTRUMENTAL, INVOLVING LITTLE COMMITMENT, WITH LITTLE REFERENCE GROUP SUPPORT, AND WITH SANCTIONS VIEWED LEGITIMATE BY THE ACTOR ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE MODIFIED BY SANCTIONS. EXPRESSIVE ACTS WITH HIGH COMMITMENT, STRONGLY SUPPORTED BY THE ACTOR'S REFERENCE GROUP, AND SANCTIONED BY GROUPS NOT PERCEIVED TO BE LEGITIMATE WILL BE LESS RESPONSIVE TO SANCTIONS. SOME EXAMPLES CITED OF BEHAVIOR IN THE FIRST CATEGORY ARE SPEEDING, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, AND CORPORATE PRICE-FIXING. EXAMPLES OFFERED FOR THE SECOND CATEGORY ARE DRUG USE, SOME ASSAULTS, AND HOMICIDE.