Corrections administration: systems, practices, and institutional management

Corrections

Continuum of Behavior and Social Groups

The continuum of behavior is described as behavior from socially acceptable to socially deviant. This continuum is most often associated with social identity theory which posits an individuals' self-perception or self-concept to be derived from membership in a social group they determine to be personally relevant. Ascribing to this notion, certain behaviors within the group are determined to be legitimate or permissible within the group environment Hogg & Vaughan, 2002). This behavioral continuum is said to move from positive defined as caring and helpful to negative associated with hate and violence. Along the continuum are descriptors such as self sacrificing, or the willing to risk one's own life for another person, ideology or ideal to life threatening, where lynching, assassination, genocide and arson are denoted. Silence is noted along the continuum and can be seen as either approving or disapproving of the associated behavior.

Primitive and Contemporary Law

According to Kelsen, in primitive law, even inanimate objects, animals, and plants are subject to the law. He further posits that every rule of law 'obligates human beings to observe a certain behavior under certain circumstances" (2009. p. 45). Contemporary law is defined as the law that is present and currently prevails. Through the contextual lens of primitive law, the behavior could be illustrated as an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth as it relates to behaviors that would be socially unacceptable. Contemporary law bespeaks very clear and specific guidelines as to how each behavior determined illegal should be addressed.

Religions Impact and Punishment