ijcs

IJSC

Thinking Differently about ‘False Allegations’ in Cases of Rape: The Search for Truth
Pages 239-248
Jacqueline M. Wheatcroft and Sandra Walklate

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.20

Published: 27 August 2014

Open Access 


Abstract: The myth ‘cry wolf’ continues to pose particular problems for campaigners, policy makers and practitioners. This paper subjects this myth, and the way in which it has been debated, to critical scrutiny with a view to suggesting an alternative and better way of challenging the presumption both in theory and in practice that women ‘cry wolf’. In reflecting on lessons learned that presume believability in establishing rapport from the treatment of children in sexual offence cases the paper suggests that such practices can maximise efficacy in the treatment of women in cases of rape. It concludes that by leaving accusatory language behind, complainants, practitioners and judicial parties may experience more successful pathways to truth.

Keywords: False Allegation, Rape, Truth, Interactional Belief.
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International Journal of Criminology and Sociology

Vocabularies of Legitimation: Understanding Normative Killings
Pages 222-238
Mike Costelloe and Alex Alvarez

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.19

Published: 19 August 2014

Open Access 


Abstract: This paper argues that while criminal forms of homicide have been the focus of extant research, little attention has been given to normative forms of killing. We argue that this omission is unfortunate and precludes a complete understanding of the contexts and consequences of killing. In this paper, we refer to three metaphors that are called into play when legitimizing certain forms of killing: Differential Life Value, Conservatism, and Justification. We call these “vocabularies of legitimation” and suggest that such normalization may serve to increase the prevalence of violence within society. Finally, we recommend some promising avenues for continuing research and possible directions for public policy.

Keywords: Violence, Killing, Normative, Legitimate.
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International Journal of Criminology and Sociology

Micro-Place Disorder, Subjective Powerlessness and Violent Youth Group Involvement: Testing an Integrative Control Theory
Pages 200-221
Lieven J.R. Pauwels and Robert Svensson

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.18

Published: 11 August 2014

Open Access 


Abstract: In this study we test an integrative theory that seeks to explain why youth that live in disordered micro-places have an increase likelihood of becoming involved in a violent youth group. The emerging integrative theory is based on the principle of conceptual end-to-end integration and is the result of an attempt to integrate (1) a contemporary version of subjective powerlessness theory with (2) an integrative control framework of violent youth group involvement. We submit the thesis that the both aforementioned models are highly suitable for conceptual integration as micro-place disorder is a common antecedent. In addition, both models share an intervening mechanism in the observed micro-place disorder- violent youth group involvement relationship: the concept of normlessness. An integrative model allows for the study of multiple pathways through which micro-place disorder and subjective powerlessness affect the likelihood of becoming involved in a violent youth group. Using path analyses for continuous and dichotomous outcomes we test key propositions of our theoretical elaboration. Our research is based on a large sample of youths in early adolescence (N=2,486) in the urban context of Antwerp, the second largest city of Belgium. The results indicate that micro-place disorder increases decreases parental monitoring and increases feelings of subjective powerlessness. Normlessness and low self-control are important mediators in the “causal chain” between micro-place disorder, subjective powerlessness and violent youth group involvement. Low self-control and lifestyle risk further mediate the effects of subjective powerlessness, normlessness and micro-place disorder. The implications of these findings for future studies of violent youth group involvement are discussed.

Keywords: Subjective powerlessness, violent youth group involvement, integrative theory, micro-place disorder, low self-control, lifestyle risk.
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IJSC

Some Current Developments in Brazilian Sociology of Crime: Towards a Criminology?
Pages 175-185
Renan Springer de Freitas and Ludmila Ribeiro

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.16

Published: 22 July 2014

Open Access 


Abstract: This paper discusses the directions taken by sociology of crime in Brazil ever since its appearance, in the dawn of the 1970s, as well as the factors that prevented the development of a true criminology in the country, similar to that already found in North America. It is herein argued that while, on the one hand, Brazilian sociology was indeed able to develop an agenda of research on the processes that account for the criminalization of poorer segments of the population, on the other hand, for not having paid due attention to an entire consolidated body of knowledge available in order countries, it failed to explain rises and declines in criminality rates, and likewise failed to prescribe effective related public policies.

Keywords: Sociology of crime, criminology, Brazilian sociology.

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