Vicarious Expiation: A Theory of Prison and Social Reform

Abstract

Expiation both as a theological and as a criminological concept is examined in conjunction with two sociological concepts—so cialization and differential association—to develop a new perspec tive on prison rebellions and on both prison and social reform. In the conventional wisdom, expiation is considered a sound justification for imprisonment. A man commits a crime: he must "pay," must atone for it. On the basis of an examination of the traditional concept of expiation, this article suggests new impli cations for the criminal justice system. Studying the implications of socialization and differential association within a larger, legal- moral dimension evokes what some might regard—and dismiss out of hand-as a more startling proposal: that society at large should be held at least partially responsible for crimes whose guilt is normally imposed solely on the imprisoned offender.