-Caveat Lector- from: http://www.umsl.edu/~rkeel/200/socontrl.html <A HREF="http://www.umsl.edu/~rkeel/200/socontrl.html">The Sociology of Social Control</A> ----- The Sociology of Social Control (these ideas are drawn from Goode: 1994, 1997) Reaction to and extension of Marxist critique of modern society (Structuralism, post structuralism and post modernism). Focus on the development and extension of Formal Control (characteristic of modern societies), (Rational Systems), Control through Technology), (Irrationality of Rationality). Value-Oriented (like conflict theory)==> create a more human(e) system. Stanley Cohen: The Fishing Net (Totally Administered Society) Control mechanisms (police, welfare, MI, etc) constantly sweeping through society, catching, processing (tagging, labeling) and recycling populations (Spitzer) "The New Penology": "One reason for the new penology is a revision in the concept of poverty. Terms like the "underclass" are now used to describe large portions of the population who are locked into an inescapable cycle of poverty and despair. Criminal justice managers (emphasis added) now group people by various collectives based on their racial and social characteristics. Rather than seek individual rehabilitation they are oriented toward the more realistic task of monitoring and managing intractable groups. The fact that the underclass is permanent leaves little hope that its members, many of whom are in the correctional population, can be helped. Penology then stresses the low-cost management of a permanent offender population." (Larry Siegel, "Criminal Justice Update," Fall 1993, West Publications) Michael Foucault: �Historical movement has been from brutal, overt repression to rational, scientific, and bureaucratic control--Administrate/Heal. �Goal: pacify and secure a stable and predictable work force for modern capitalist industry (today, workers are no longer needed, so need to regulate even more efficiently) �Shift has been; from the many controlling the few, to the few controlling the many (Big Brother is Watching You!!!) �Problems with Foucault: Historical accuracy (empiricism vs. Structuralism)-- Thought and discourse as reality? Can we derive intentions from the consequences of behavior? Is a society without social control possible? Central Ideas of Structuralism Social control is problematic: Not natural, but a product of social forces, group interests. Politics; winners and losers. Control is coercive and repressive. Control: Restrain troublesome populations 1.Unemployed and welfare 2.Prozac 3.Education and the "Hidden Curriculum" When threat is reduced: dump them out (Spitzer's Social Junk) Control may appear humane and benign, but is in reality oppressive. Social Control is State (or state like) Control 1.Integrated institutional networks, agencies 2.Circulate the same group of "clients." 3.Even the media plays a role, shapes our perspective. Social control is unified and coherent. "Transcarceration": Control activity moved from the individual body (demonic)==>to the Spirit (individual "therapy")==> to the "Body Social" (the Mass) Interesting Problems/ Unanswered Questions �Impact of bureaucracy (dysfunctions) due to too much control or not enough resources? �Client's perspective? "Clients themselves more often see these institutions as a shield to protect them rather than a net to catch them." (But doesn't that make the structuralist point?) �Informal vs. Formal Control �Effectiveness of Formal Control? 1.Not a tight efficient net (1000 druggies: 300,000 crimes; 1,300 arrests.) Yet they are defined as criminal and The public actually demands more and tighter control. 2.Prison population is up (over 1 million), yet likelihood of someone arrested on a felony charge going to prison==> 1 in 7. 3.Deviants, themselves, think little of or about formal control: contempt and disdain. 4.System is not a smooth operating machine 5."Iron Fist to Velvet Glove"??? or just the opposite? Yet, one can't deny the spread of formalized social control and its impact on our lives and identities. As of 1987 it was estimated that our names pop up in some computer at least 40 times a day. Moreover, federal, state, and local government agencies keep more than 35 files on each one of us..... SO........, What is Deviance??????????????????????? Alcohol and Drug Use as Deviance URL: http://www.umsl.edu/~rkeel/200/socontrl.html Owner: Robert O. Keel [EMAIL PROTECTED] References and Credits for this Page of Notes Last Updated: December 4, 1998 ----- Aloha, He'Ping, Om, Shalom, Salaam. Em Hotep, Peace Be, Omnia Bona Bonis, All My Relations. Adieu, Adios, Aloha. Amen. Roads End Kris DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. 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