Sociology & Criminology for a Changing World
Lawrence W. Sherman’s Defiance Theory seeks to explain why punishment does not always deter crime. Instead of assuming uniform effects, Sherman argues that sanctions can produce three distinct reactions: Deterrence: Punishment successfully discourages further crime. Irrelevance: Punishment has no effect on future offending. Defiance: Punishment actually intensifies deviant behaviour. Key Points Defiance Theory Main Proponent:
Delinquency and Drift by David Matza (1964) represents a landmark critique of both positivist criminology (e.g., Lombroso) and contemporary theories of juvenile delinquency like Cloward & Ohlin’s differential opportunity theory and Cohen’s subcultural theory. Matza challenges the behavioral determinism in these approaches and argues instead for a nuanced, interactionist understanding of delinquency as a temporary,
SozTheo is a personal academic project by Prof. Dr. Christian Wickert.
The content does not reflect the official views or curricula of HSPV NRW.
SozTheo.com offers clear, accessible introductions to sociology and criminology. Covering key theories, classic works, and essential concepts, it is designed for students, educators, and anyone curious about social science and crime. Discover easy-to-understand explanations and critical perspectives on the social world.
Looking for the German version? Visit soztheo.de