What Have We Learned From Five Decades of Neutralization Research? (From Crime and Justice: A Review of Research, Volume 32, P 221-320, 2005, Michael Tonry, ed. - See NCJ-241498)

• NCJ Number: 241502
• Author(s): Shadd Maruna; Heith Copes
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 100 pages
• Sale Source: University of Chicago Press
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This essay discusses changes in neutralization theory that have occurred through five decades of research.

Abstract

Neutralization theory, though a popular framework for understanding deviant behavior, remains badly underdeveloped. Few attempts have been made to connect it to narrative and sociocognitive research in psychology and related fields. From this wider perspective, one reason neutralization theory has received only mixed empirical support is that it has been understood as a theory of criminal etiology. This makes little sense (how can one neutralize something before they have done it?) and makes the theory difficult to rest. Neutralization should instead be seen as playing a role in persistence in or desistance from criminal behavior. The theory's central premises need to be substantially complicated. The notions that all excuses or justifications are "bad" and that reform involves "accepting complete responsibility" for one's actions are not tenable. (Published Abstract)