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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

A Brief History of Prohibition and Treatment Solutions for Substance Abusers
Pages 186-199
David F. Duncan, Thomas Nicholson, John B. White and Gregory Ellis-Griffith

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.17

Published: 22 July 2014

Abstract: The predominant policy of prohibition (i.e. “War on Drugs”) emerged in the early Twentieth Century. It has been expanded on since that time to become the primary thrust of drug policy in almost every nation today. We will examine how this came about and the ways in which it has contributed to the maltreatment of substance abuse disorders.

Evidence for a Big Brother Effect in Survey-Based Fear of Crime Research
Pages 146-157
Jessica Ashbourne

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.13

Published: 23 May 2014

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine whether sibling sex and birth order have any influence on individuals’ reported fear of crime levels. Based on literature relating to gender, socialization, vicarious fear for spouses and children, and sibling influence, three hypotheses were formed. It was expected that a) having siblings would be protective against fear, b) male fear of crime would increase with the number of younger sisters and c) female fear of crime would decrease with the number of older brothers. A total of 83 McMaster University undergraduate students completed a survey that included demographic questions and a fear of crime index. Results indicated the existence of a “big brother effect”, whereby females with older brothers exhibited less fear of crime than other females. There was no statistically significant difference in fear of crime among those with and without siblings and no sex-specific sibling effects on fear of crime in males. Explanations of this result focused on female vulnerability, socialization and the particular influence of older brothers on their sisters’ behaviour and characteristics. This study highlights the influence of siblings on fear of crime and provides impetus for future research.