NCJ Number
137923
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1992) Pages: 1-10
Date Published
1992
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Normative criminology offers guidance on the types of crimes that should be reduced and how, while explanatory criminology suggests what practical strategies may work in reducing certain crime types.
Abstract
The possibilities of normative and explanatory criminology, however, have not been adequately considered due to excessive emphasis on state policies within prevailing theoretical traditions. A theoretical revolution in criminology is needed, and republican criminology is advanced as one theoretical alternative. Republicanism shows that the most serious crime problems are actually problems on which some progress is being made and that changes needed to effect crime reductions have gathered significant momentum in Australia since the mid-1970's. Four commitments are basic to republicanism: deliberation in governance that both shapes and balances interests; political equality; universality or debate to reconcile competing views as a regulative ideal; and citizenship or community participation in public life. Republicanism envisions that a long, historical process of community and State involvement in shaming acts of crime and violence will cause most citizens to internalize shame. Consequently, most social control will work at the base of the enforcement pyramid by self-sanctioning. 25 references, 3 notes, and 2 figures (Author abstract modified)