Issues in the application of sociological theory to practice in the control, prevention, and treatment of criminal and delinquent behavior are reviewed. The validity of the distinction between applied and pure sociology in the case of criminology is questioned. Application of theory occurs not only in the formal criminal justice system but also in the informal system of private and public practice directed toward criminal and deviant behavior. Moral and ethical values are necessarily implicated in any policy or practice, as illustrated in a hypothetical program for segregation and insulation of youth for delinquency prevention. An outline, with some examples, of what would be involved in reviewing the application of theory to the control, prevention, and treatment of criminal or delinquent behavior and the implications of practice for theory is given.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AgnewRobert. 1992. “Foundations for a General Strain Theory of Crime and Delinquency.”Criminology30: 47–88.
2.
AkersRonald L.1985. Deviant Behavior: A Social Learning Approach.Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing.
3.
AkersRonald L.1998. Social Learning and Social Structure: A General Theory of Crime and Deviance.Boston: Northeastern University Press.
4.
AkersRonald L.1992a. Drugs, Alcohol, and Society: Social Structure, Process and Policy.Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
5.
AkersRonald L.1992b“Linking Sociology to its Specialties: The Case of Criminology,”Social Forces71: 1–16.
6.
AkersRonald L.2000. Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and Application.Third Edition. Los Angeles: Roxbury Publishing.
7.
AkersRonald L.SellersChristine S..2004. Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and Application.Fourth Edition. Los Angeles: Roxbury Publishing.
8.
AndrewsD. A.BontaJames. 1998. Psychology of Criminal Conduct.Second Edition. Cincinnati, OH: Anderson Publishing.
9.
BraithwaiteJohn. 2002. Restorative Justice and Responsive Regulation.New York: Oxford University Press.
10.
BursikRobert J.GrasmickHarold G.. 1993. Neighborhoods and Crime: The Dimensions of Effective Community Control.New York: Lexington Books.
11.
ClowardRichardOhlinLloyd. 1960. Delinquency and Opportunity.Glencoe, IL: Free Press.
12.
CresseyDonald R.1955. “Changing Criminals: The Application of the Theory of Differential Association.”American Journal of Sociology61:116–20.
13.
EllisRodneySowersKaren. 2001. Juvenile Justice Practice: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach to Intervention.Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Brooks Cole.
14.
FelsonMarcus. 1998. Crime and Everyday Life.Second Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.
15.
GottfredsonMichaelHirachiTravis. 1990. A General Theory of Crime.Palo Alto, CA: Stanford University Press.
16.
HawkinsJ. DavidCatalanoRichard F.KostermanRickAbbottRobertHillKarl G.. 1999. “Preventing Adolescent Health-Risk Behahviors by Strengthening Protection During Childhood,”Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine153: 226–34.
17.
HirschiTravis. 1969. Causes of Delinquency.Berkeley: University of California Press.
18.
McCordJoan. 1991. “Family Relationships, Juvenile Delinquency, and Adult Criminality,”Criminology29: 397–418.
19.
MonahanJohn D.1981“Childhood Predictors of Adult Criminal Behavior.” In DutileF. N.FoustC. H.WebsterD. R., eds., Early Childhood Intervention and Juvenile Delinquency.Lexington, MA: Lexington Books (pp. 11–21).
20.
MoyerKenneth. 1979. “What is the Potential for Biological Violence Control?” In JefferyC.R., ed., Biology and Crime.Beverly Hills: CA: Sage Publications (pp. 19–46).
ShermanLawrence W.GottfredsonDenise C.McKenzieDoris L.EckJohnReuterPeterBushwayShawn D.. 1998. Preventing Crime: What Works, What Doesn't, What's Promising.Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice.
27.
VolkmanRitaCresseyDonald R.1963. “Differential Association and the Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts”American Journal of Sociology69:129–142.
28.
WilsonJames Q.1975. Thinking About Crime.New York: Basic Books.
29.
WrightWilliam E.DixonMichael C.. 1978. “Community Prevention and Treatment of Delinquency,”Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency14: 35–67.
30.
ZetterbergHans L1962. Social Theory and Social Practice.New York: The Bedminster Press.
