Debate on the aim of criminology in speaking truth to power

Article by Michelle Robert

Introduction

In order to understand whether criminology can speak truth to power, it is essential to first understand the concept of truth and knowledge and these will be elaborated in detail through Foucault’s ideas.Analysis of truth and power.In this regard, it can be asserted that moral order and ethics are different because the latter is concerned with objectivity within moral order. According to this order, truth should not just be regarded as a characteristic that is only confined to a certain aspect of freedom; these two are disconnected. Instead, Foucault proposes that truth can be confirmed by certain levels of truth. Power is something that can be manifested only when examined in the form of a relationship.Power can be understood in terms of a number of theories. For instance, according to feminists, women need to be given equal opportunities in the social, political and economic spheres in their lives. This equality in opportunities can only be possible when both sexes are granted power over their lives.In the Game theory, power is imagined to be something that individuals can either use to their advantage or their disadvantage depending on how they opt to influence others. Additionally in the rational choice theory, power is thought of as something that needs to be acquired by certain social actors so that they can achieve their goals and aspirations. (Redhead, 1993, pp 13) Through this author’s assertions, it is possible for one to understand some of the underlying issues that cause manifestation of power. According to him, knowledge and truth were necessary in placing power within context. Given these assertions, then power can be seen through any of the following entities-The government-Television status-Family-Big business-The police -Judiciary-Seat of power -EtcSince these are all concepts that require in depth examination, the essay shall be limited only to the government as a manifestation of power.

Understanding criminology

Criminology may be defined as the sociological approach towards the study of crime. In this field, crime can be treated on an individual basis also in terms of a sociological phenomenon. Criminology is one of the most diverse fields to be studied because it encompasses so many disciplines. Examples of such disciples are; law, behavioural sciences, psychology, sociology etc. Usually research in this field entails causes, consequences, forms, incidences of crimes and many others. (Wilson, 2001, pp 39)Criminology has a series of theories and schools of thought that are established in understanding crime.

Cultural criminology

Cultural criminology may be defined as the study of the causative aspects of crime through the cultural lens. In this approach, culture may be viewed as a n aspect that propagates crime. On the other hand, crime may be regarded as a crime or a form of crime in its own right. (Hayden, 2004, pp 45)There are certain styles or levels of entities that are distinct to particular cultures. Adherents to this school of thought claim that legal authorities normally create their own symbols that are made in reaction to the criminal subcultures. More often than not, it is possible to identify these reactions within society and examples here include;* Campaigns for support from the public* Changing legal structures * Changing political systems* Moral entrepreneurs* Mass symbolism * Educational efforts

Cultural criminology speaking truth to power

In certain instances, some elements of culture can be perceived as crime themselves as described by cultural criminologists. Through the latter group’s assertions, it is possible to see how power can be challenged by their deductions. For instance criminology can identify examples in which the government has labelled certain expressions of culture as crime and thus gone a long way in promoting the behaviour. Through criminology, it is possible to highlight these situations and thus challenge the government which is a form of power. (Valier, 2003, p 120)Taking the example of what had occurred in Britain during the 1970s; at that time there was a band known as the Sex Pistols that had been highly controversial. The reason behind this controversy was because of the style and image portrayed by this Punk Band. The group had been organized by the Virgin Records Company and was labelled by the government (through its representatives) of the following criminal acts;* Anarchy* Bondage* Fascism * EtcAccording to local politicians, this group was a threat to the moral order of British society and as such should be dealt with severely. Most of the problems being faced by this group were actually brought on by the government because of what they perceived as ‘crimes’. In fact, the government banned any of their materials from being sold or promoted in stores.For instance an art photographer known as Jock Sturges had been interrogated and arrested by the police under claims that he had been engaging in criminal activity. According to the authorities, the process of taking nude photographs (which had been the case with this group) had constituted a criminal offense and thus necessitated arrest. (Tierney, 2006, pp 26)

* Gay visual artists* Black raps artists* Punk bands* Musical production* Latino suitersCriminologists have thus shown that the government has a part to play in criminalization and that they should take up responsibility for it.

Conclusion

Criminology can speak out against power because of the insights that the concept manages to bring with regard to the government’s role in criminalizing behaviour. By singling out these matters, cultural criminology has illustrated just how assertive it can be. The latter phenomenon has been particularly useful in protecting the rights of targeted groups because some of these attacks spearheaded by the government have now been eliminated.

References

Banksy, T. (2005): Wall and Piece; London: CenturyBoyd, C. (2007): Hooked: Drug war films in Canada, Britain and the United States; Routledge Ferrell, J. (2001): Tearing Down the Streets – Adventures in Urban Anarchy; PalgraveHamm, M. (1995): American Skinheads: Control of Hate Crime and Criminology; Greenwood PressHayden, T. (2004): Street Wars; The New PressLasn, K. (2000): Culture Jam -How to Reverse America’s Suicidal Consumer Binge; Harper CollinsMacek, S. (2006): Urban Nightmares: the Media, the Moral Panic and the Right; University of Minnesota PressRedhead, S. (1993): Rave Off: Politics and Deviance in Contemporary Youth Culture; AveburyRegis, J. (2003): Crime, Culture and Cultural Criminology; University of Minnesota PressTierney, J. (2006): Criminology -Theory and Context; RoutledgeValier, C. (2003): Crime and Punishment in Contemporary Culture; RoutledgeWilson, E. (2001): The Contradictions of Culture; London: Sage

Question by Real1: What does “Create a Powerpoint outlinin the public policy implications of each of the criminological theories”?
Create a PowerPoint® presentation outlining the public policy implications of each of the criminological theories you have studied in this ? What does this mean.

Best answer:

Answer by Curiously, purple
Powerpoint is a program that helps you prepare presentations and such. I don’t really use it, but my husband does. You can add graphs and all kinds of things to present your case. It’s a Microsoft Office program.

Give your answer to this question below!