Introduction Crime has long been one of the most persistent challenges in human societies. While individual psychology and moral decay are often cited as causes of criminal behavior, sociology provides a broader and more structural explanation. The sociology of crime investigates the ways in which social conditions—such as poverty, class divisions, racial inequality, and institutional … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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, 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