NCJ Number
159640
Date Published
1995
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article presents a theory of multiple control to explain the social control of elite and lower-status deviance; the author argues that multiplicity of control bodies has an effect on the control process and that multiplicity affects familiar mechanisms of control such as definition conferring and decisionmaking.
Abstract
Because multiplicity affects the interaction of control bodies and their definitions and decisions, it also affects control responses imposed on and experienced by individuals subject to multiple control. The relativity of deviance is analyzed using models that reflect internal and external control of elite and lower-status deviance. Particular consideration is paid to social control-social control interaction, social control-deviant interaction, and outcomes of multiple control. Without knowing exactly how the phenomenon of multiplicity occurs, the author concludes that some elements of control are constant across multiple control of elite and lower-status deviance. She indicates, however, that differences exist in the operation and effects of multiple control imposed on elite versus lower-status deviance. Multiplicity affects the social control imposed but it is expressed in various forms, and multiplicity effects are influenced by such social and interactional phenomena as conflict, consensus, and social power. 34 references, 4 notes, and 1 figure