Note: The Stanford Prison Experiment For more information on this video and the experiment that made history, go to: http://www.prisonexp.org/ See slides & video clips Look at questions for discussion Slide 1 Sociology & Science Testing & building theories to explain social behavior using scientific methods Hypothesis: What is the relationship between two or more variables? – 1 What is the effect of imprisonment versus probation on recidivism among drug offenders? Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 2 Theory: Deterrence (threat of punishment) reduces criminal behavior 2 Deterrence is based on a rational calculation of costs versus benefits of crime. Research by Spohn & Hollaran tested this theory. Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 3 Dependent & independent variables . . . 3 Independent variables: factors that cause, change, or affect an “outcome” Dependent variable: presumed to be caused, changed, or affected by the independent variable In this case, the independent variable was prison or probation. Dependent variable = recidivism Measurement: Recidivism = new criminal charges filed Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 4 Additional variables Other variables that have an effect on the dependent variable: – – – – – – – Gender Age Race Serious prior record Employment status Marital status Drug use How do we “screen” out these other factors? We “control” for them statistically. 4 Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 5 Research Design 5 Examined a sample of approx. 1000 felons in Jackson City, MO. Method: Data from case files – examined four years after sentence to prison or probation Compared (statistically) new filed charges (DV) for felons sentenced to prison (IV) or probation (IV) Control Variables (held constant to single out the influence of the independent variables). Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 6 Findings 6 Felons sentenced to prison had significantly higher rates of recidivism than probationers. This was particularly true of drug offenders, who had the highest rates of all. There was no support for the theory that imprisonment for drug offenders prevents further criminal activity. What are the implications for policy? Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 7 Culture Sociology 100 Sp. 2004 Week Two 7 Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 8 Culture and Society Culture: – – – Culture has two components – – 8 A shared way of life Includes values, customs, material objects & symbols Provides a blue-print for social life Material culture Non-material culture (norms, values, beliefs) Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 9 The Problem of Cultural Diversity Homogenous vs. heterogeneous societies Ethnocentrism – Cultural Relativism – 9 Claims that one’s own culture (religion, family system) is superior to others All cultures have worth; each culture should be understood on its own terms Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 10 Women, Human Rights, & Cultural Relativism 10 Should the US impose its own notions of women’s rights on other societies? Should there be one standard set of human rights? If so, how does one practice cultural relativism and when? Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 11 Amina Lawal: Sentenced to death by stoning for adultery 11 (See: http://web.amnesty.org/pages/nga010902-background-eng for details) A Sharia court in Nigeria sentenced Lawal to death for bearing a child out of wedlock (adultery) The decision was overturned in Sept. 2003 by a Sharia court Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 12 Women and Islam 12 Raises questions about religion and women’s rights Some elements contribute to women’s oppression (men control children & are granted divorces easily) Yet, Islamic societies (via Sharia) historically provided for women’s property rights Women could share in inheritance and control capital. Possibilities for women’s rights are “mixed” in nearly all societies and under nearly all religions. Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 13 Values & Beliefs Values – – – Beliefs – – 13 Worth and desirability Right and wrong Cannot be tested Shared knowledge about reality Different from values: beliefs are about what we know is and values are about what should be Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 14 Culture American Style Individualism – 14 personal independence (autonomy) & self reliance Achievement & merit Materialism – hard work should be rewarded with material comfort Equality of opportunity – freedom of choice & equal access to society’s rewards Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 15 Hawaiian vs. Western Values Love of the land Sacredness of nature Sharing resources Ohana (family) is central 15 Self and profit Instrumental view (exploiting nature) Individual ownership & benefit Individual is central Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 16 Norms & Sanctions 16 Norms – rules for behavior Folkways (informal) Mores – Rules that are critical to society Laws – Codified (formalized); often related to mores Norms are maintained through sanctions Laws are sanctioned by the state Folkways are sanctioned by public sentiment Mores may be sanctioned by both law & sentiment Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 17 Culture & Change 17 Cultural Integration – process by which cultural elements become closely connected & interdependent Cultural lag – the gap in time between the introduction of a practice or artifact and the time it’s integrated into a culture’s value system - eg. alcohol Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 18 Perspectives on Culture & Change 18 Functionalism Conflict Theory Symbolic Interactionism Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 19 Functionalism 19 Societies have basic needs – culture is a way of meeting these needs. Suggests there are cultural universals. Cultural patterns allow society to adapt to change Change is a threat to society; maintaining equilibrium is important. Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 20 Conflict theory Value system reflects the ideals of the elite Cultural system legitimizes the status quo – – – 20 Example: Inequality is not resisted because of the cultural emphasis on individualism & equality Americans see inequality as a reflection of differences in motivation & achievement Culture therefore provides a “false consciousness” about the nature of social life. Lindsey and Beach 2003 Slide 21 Symbolic interactionism Culture is not only explained as adaptation, but is made up of symbols that transmit meaning. Culture is a social construction, Culture is maintained or changed by everyday interactions between people. Example: Court room 21 Lindsey and Beach 2003