Dramatization of Evil by Frank

¶ … Dramatization of Evil by Frank Tannenbaum

The purpose of the Chapter is to identify alternative reasons for the phenomenon of deviation since childhood. The author explains that it is the reaction to initial deviation and its further manifestations that causes its perpetuation.

The hypothesis of the Chapter is that deviance thrives on being singled out as such. If it were ignored and/or replaced with another paradigm, it would diminish by lack of attention.

To substantiate the point, Tannenbaum uses a paragraph on drinking from John Dewey's Human Nature and Conduct. The paragraph addresses an alcoholic who, by thinking about not drinking, actually encourages the habit to resurface.

Inferences: The main conclusions are that placing emphasis on undesirable behavior - whichever form such attention takes - encourages it. By placing attention on something else, the educator, parent, or guardian discourages what is ignored.

Reasoning: The reasoning is based upon the psychological view that the psyche is attracted to whatever is emphasized. It matters little whether such emphasis is positive or negative.

Assumptions: The author is assuming a basic knowledge of psychology, as well as the reader's acceptance of his hypothesis. He is also assuming that the reader has the desire to curb deviance.

Implications: The implications of the author's view are a radical change in reform theory. Instead of placing emphasis upon behavior that is unwanted, educators will be required to instead focus upon replacement behavior that is desirable.

Point-of-View: In considering the views offered by the author, I am inclined to agree with his point-of-view. The notoriously unsuccessful results of reform schools for example specifically emphasizes the validity of the author's views in terms of dramatizing evil in children. Children, being singled out as "bad" and "misfits" indeed become this, because it is expected.

Chapter 41: Primary and Secondary Deviation by Edwin Lemert

Purpose: In searching for a single theory describing the deviation of individuals, Lemert attempts to connect such deviant behavior to the connections such a person has with society, and how persons from society react to the perceived role of the person as deviant.

Question: The hypothesis of the Chapter is that deviance is the result of a progressive interaction between the offender and society. What the author refers to as primary deviance might end at this stage if there is not sufficient reaction from society to label the deviant as such. A particularly traumatic initial reaction however may lead to secondary deviance.

Information: To substantiate the point, Lemert uses the examples of a young boy causing mischief in a classroom and a young girl who is the daughter of a convict. In both cases, social acceptance of their roles as deviants resulted in the perpetuation of these roles.

Inferences: The main conclusions are that deviance emphasized by traumatic punishment or by social generalization tends to lead to secondary deviations and eventually a life-long paradigm for the offender.

Reasoning: The reasoning is based upon the view that a person internalizes the reactions of others. Such internalization then leads to secondary deviations from general society.

Assumptions: The author is assuming that the reaction of society against deviation will be either punishment or generalization. He assumes these to be responsible for the perpetuation of deviation, rather than any inner deviant tendencies within the offender.

Implications: The implications of the author's view could lead to a radical change in the way society reacts to deviation and crime.

Point-of-View: I agree with the author's point-of-view: deviation that is generalized singles the offender out as such, and it becomes easy to perpetuate this view via secondary deviation.

Chapter 42: Outsiders by Howard S. Becker

Purpose: The purpose of the Chapter is to identify the effect of social response upon the nature of deviant crime. Becker holds that deviance is identified by societal rules and laws - the deviant is classified as such because of the existence of the law against his or her actions.

Question: The hypothesis of the Chapter is that criminal justice and social response to crime tends to be more severe for certain persons than for others. The author uses the example of middle class as opposed to slum areas to emphasize this point.

Information: To substantiate the point made in the Chapter, Becker distinguishes between rule makers and rule enforcers. The rule makers are entrepreneurs who feel that a rule is important enough to enter it into the social process for creating laws. Once this rule is in effect, enforcers serve the purpose of reaction and labeling for those breaking the rule.