Discipline as Data: Resolving the Theoretical Crisis in Criminology (From Theoretical Integration in the Study of Deviance and Crime: Problems and Prospects, P 129-135, 1989, Steven F Messner, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-118940)

• NCJ Number: 118946
• Author(s): V L Swigert
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: California Correctional Peace Officers Assoc
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This chapter comments on the previous two chapters (See NCJ-118944-45), which pertain to the construction of integrated criminological theory, and discusses the importance of definitional issues in the study of crime.

Abstract

The chapter first summarizes the contributions of Bursik's empirical analysis as the basis for proposing the integration of insights from conflict theories of delinquency into social disorganization theories. Noted to be particularly important in the integration of theory is the basing of the integration in empirical analyses. Although the chapter endorses Wellford's concern to pool the insights of various disciplines in integrated theory, this approach is believed to be premature, requiring more disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies. The chapter argues that definitions of criminal behavior in criminological studies have tended to be too narrow, thus limiting the identification of factors that influence a broad spectrum of dangerous and socially destructive behaviors.