Questions and Answers
What does neutralization theory primarily deal with?
What is denial of responsibility?
When the individual feels they are not responsible for the acts they tend to commit
What is denial of injury?
No one is really going to be hurt with this crime
What does denial of victim entail?
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What does condemnation of the condemners mean?
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What is meant by appeal to higher loyalties?
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What are the limitations to neutralization theory?
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What is employee theft often a result of?
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What did Dabney's research with hospital nurses indicate?
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What were the findings related to a sample of 25 nurses regarding theft?
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What is the vocabulary of motives used by convicted rapists?
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What are excuses in the context of criminal behavior?
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How do justifications differ from excuses in criminal behavior?
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What are accounts in criminal behavior?
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What characterizes admitters and deniers among convicted rapists?
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What are common justifications used by deniers regarding rape?
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What are some excuses given by convicted rapists?
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Study Notes
Neutralization Theory
- Explores how individuals rationalize deviant behavior and mitigate guilt and shame.
- Five key techniques identified for neutralization of guilt.
Techniques of Neutralization
- Denial of Responsibility: Individuals claim they are not to blame for their actions.
- Denial of Injury: Perpetrators believe that no one is truly harmed by their crime.
- Denial of Victim: The victim is perceived as deserving the harm inflicted upon them.
- Condemnation of the Condemners: Individuals challenge the moral legitimacy of those condemning their behavior.
- Appeal to Higher Loyalties: Actions are justified based on loyalty to a higher cause or group.
Limitations of Neutralization Theory
- Recognizes that individuals may commit acts first and then create rationalizations, indicating the importance of timing in behavior justification.
Employee Theft Overview
- Commonly includes pilferage due to employee dissatisfaction with treatment or pay.
- Can involve embezzlement and theft of supplies, as seen in hospital settings.
Dabney's Research Findings
- Study focused on nurses stealing drugs and supplies, revealing learned rationalizations for justifying theft.
- Connections made between neutralization theory and differential association theory, emphasizing social learning in rationalization.
Sample Insights from Nurses
- Theft of general supplies viewed as a job benefit, accepted by workforce members.
- Over-the-counter medicines seen as acceptable to take.
- Misappropriation of non-narcotic medicines perceived as harmless.
- Narcotic medicines are considered unacceptable to steal.
Vocabulary of Motives in Sexual Offenses
- Examined rapists demonstrate learned behaviors aligned with sexual aggression towards women.
- Involves acquiring justifications to diminish responsibility and negotiate a non-deviant identity through:
- Excuses: Admit the act was wrong but deflect responsibility through external factors.
- Justifications: Accept responsibility yet claim the act was appropriate under the circumstances.
- Accounts: Utilize societal norms to neutralize actions while renegotiating identity.
Admitters vs. Deniers in Rape
- In a sample of 144 incarcerated rapists:
- Admitters: Acknowledge forced sexual acts, often citing excuses.
- Deniers: Do not perceive their actions as rape and provide justifications instead.
Justifications Used by Deniers
- Women are portrayed as seductresses.
- Misinterpretation of consent, believing "no" implies "yes."
- A belief that most women eventually enjoy coercive acts.
- Stigmatization based on attire; "nice girls" are deemed less likely to be assaulted.
- Consideration of the act as a minor violation without viewing themselves as rapists.
Additional Excuses for Rape
- Influence of alcohol or drugs as a mitigating factor.
- Personal emotional issues as justifications.
- Maintaining a “nice guy” persona while deflecting accountability.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of Neutralization Theory with these flashcards. Learn about the five techniques of neutralization, including denial of responsibility, denial of injury, and denial of victim. This resource is perfect for understanding how individuals justify their deviant behaviors.
