Criminology

Contemporary Developments in the Punishment System

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Contemporary Developments in the Punishment System

Introduction The punishment system has undergone significant transformations over the centuries, reflecting broader societal changes in values, legal philosophies, and power structures. From retributive justice to rehabilitative approaches, the way societies punish offenders is deeply intertwined with cultural, economic, and political contexts. In contemporary times, new developments in criminology, technology, and social justice movements have … Read more

The Birth of the Prison: A Sociological Perspective

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The Birth of the Prison

Introduction The prison, as an institution of punishment and rehabilitation, is a relatively modern phenomenon. While forms of incarceration have existed throughout history, the modern prison system emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, reflecting broader social, political, and economic transformations. French philosopher Michel Foucault’s seminal work, Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the … Read more

Philosophies of Punishment: A Sociological Perspective

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Philosophies of Punishment

Introduction Punishment is a fundamental aspect of social control, serving as a mechanism to maintain order, enforce norms, and regulate behavior within society. Sociologists examine punishment not merely as a legal or moral response to crime but as a complex social institution shaped by historical, cultural, and political forces. Various philosophies of punishment—retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, … Read more

Globalization & Crime: A Sociological Perspective

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Globalization & Crime: A Sociological Perspective

Introduction on Globalization & Crime Globalization & Crime are interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies, has transformed the way crime operates across borders. While globalization has facilitated economic growth, cultural exchange, and technological advancements, it has also provided new opportunities for criminal activities. From cybercrime to human trafficking, the dark side of globalization has become … Read more

Criminal Justice and Reform Committees in India

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Contemporary Developments in the Punishment System

Introduction The criminal justice system in India is a complex structure designed to maintain social order, deliver justice, and rehabilitate offenders. However, it is often criticized for being slow, inefficient, and biased against marginalized communities. Over the years, various reform committees have been established to address these issues and recommend changes to make the system … Read more

Prisons Statistics in India: A Sociological Perspective

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Contemporary Developments in the Punishment System

Introduction Prisons are a critical institution in any society, serving as a mechanism for punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation. However, from a sociological perspective, prisons also reflect broader social inequalities, structural violence, and state power. In India, the prison system is plagued by overcrowding, poor living conditions, and systemic discrimination against marginalized communities. Analyzing prison statistics … Read more

The Chicago School on Rejecting Individualism in Criminology

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The Chicago School on Rejecting Individualism in Criminology

The Chicago School of sociology, emerging in the early 20th century at the University of Chicago, revolutionized the study of crime and deviance by shifting the focus from individual pathology to the social environment. This school of thought rejected the dominant individualistic explanations of crime, which attributed criminal behavior to inherent biological or psychological traits, … Read more

Anomie in Sociology with Important 30 Question

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Concepts of Illness and Sickness in Sociology

Anomie is a central concept in sociology, particularly within the framework of structural functionalism and the study of social order and deviance. The term, derived from the Greek words “a-” (without) and “nomos” (law or norm), refers to a state of normlessness or a breakdown of social norms and values. First introduced by the French … Read more

Social Strain Theory in Sociology with 30 Important Question

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Contemporary Developments in the Punishment System

Social Strain Theory, also known as Strain Theory, is a sociological framework that seeks to explain the relationship between societal structures and individual behavior, particularly deviant behavior. Developed by American sociologist Robert K. Merton in the mid-20th century, the theory posits that societal pressures and structural inequalities can lead individuals to engage in deviant or … Read more

Positivist School of Thought on Crime

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Contemporary Developments in the Punishment System

The study of crime and deviance has been a central concern in sociology, with various schools of thought offering different explanations for criminal behavior. Among these, the Positivist School of Thought stands out as a significant paradigm that shifted the focus from abstract philosophical reasoning to empirical, scientific methods. Emerging in the late 19th century, … Read more