Neutralization Theory Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does neutralization theory primarily deal with?

Responsibility and accountability

Social acceptance

Guilt and shame (correct)

Justification of criminal behavior (correct)

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?

The target/victim deserves the harm Signup and view all the answers

What does condemnation of the condemners mean?

Child may question the integrity of behavior. Questioning moral authority Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by appeal to higher loyalties?

His or her illegal behavior is necessary because of higher motivation Signup and view all the answers

What are the limitations to neutralization theory?

Sometimes you do the act then come up with a rationale, so the timing of when you commit the act is important Signup and view all the answers

What is employee theft often a result of?

Common reasons: employee treatment, dissatisfied with pay Signup and view all the answers

What did Dabney's research with hospital nurses indicate?

Theft of drugs and supplies in workplace environments Signup and view all the answers

What were the findings related to a sample of 25 nurses regarding theft?

Theft of general supplies was seen as a 'fringe benefit' of the job Signup and view all the answers

What is the vocabulary of motives used by convicted rapists?

Rape as a learned behavior with learned attitudes consistent with sexual aggression against women Signup and view all the answers

What are excuses in the context of criminal behavior?

Admit the act was bad or inappropriate but deny full responsibility, appeals to accidents, biological drive or scapegoating Signup and view all the answers

How do justifications differ from excuses in criminal behavior?

Accept responsibility for the act but deny that it was wrong Signup and view all the answers

What are accounts in criminal behavior?

Socially approved vocabularies that neutralize an act, involving negotiation of identity Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes admitters and deniers among convicted rapists?

Admitters acknowledge forced sexual relations and give excuses Signup and view all the answers

What are common justifications used by deniers regarding rape?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What are some excuses given by convicted rapists?

Use of alcohol and drugs, emotional problems, nice guy image Signup and view all the answers

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.