DOCSLIB.ORG

The Growth of Criminological Theories

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Growth of Criminological Theories THE GROWTH OF CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORIES Jonathon M. Heidt B.A., University of Montana, 2000 THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS In the School of Criminology OJonathon M. Heidt 2003 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY November 2003 All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without permission of the author. APPROVAL Name: Jonathon Heidt Degree: M.A. Title of Thesis: The Growth of Criminological Theories Examining Committee: Chair: ~ridnkurtch,P~JJ$ . D;. Robert ~ordoi,kh.~. Senior Supervisor Dr. Elizabeth Elliott, Ph.D. Member Sociology Department University at Albany - SUNY Date Approved: PARTIAL COPYRIGHT LICENCE I hereby grant to Simon Fraser University the right to lend my thesis, project or extended essay (the title of which is shown below) to users of the Simon Fraser University Library, and to make partial or single copies only for such users or in response to a request from the library of any other university, or other educational institution, on its own behalf or for one of its users. I further agree that permission for multiple copying of this work for scholarly purposes may be granted by me or the Dean of Graduate Studies. It is understood that copying or publication of this work for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. Title of Thesis/Project/Extended Essay The Growth of Criminological Theories Author: Name ABSTRACT In the last 50 years, an extensive array of theories has appeared within the field of criminology, many generated by the discipline of sociology. With so many different, competing models and perspectives surfacing, it is often difficult to determine if theory growth is actually occurring in criminology, or if contemporary theories are merely older and recycled theoretical models. The question of growth is an important one to resolve because criminology, if it is truly a progressive form of social science, ought to be producing theories that are evolving and improving, and contributing to the accumulation of knowledge. In order to assess the degree of accumulation, an existing model of theory growth proposed by David G. Wagner was applied to several different trajectories in the area of sociologically based theories within criminology. In brief, Wagner argues that in sociology, theory develops and grows in the context of theoretical research programs. Theoretical research programs are composed of sets of interrelated unit theories. The production of these unit theories is guided by the underlying philosophy of the research program, or as Wagner calls it, the program's orienting strategy. The main finding of this research is that theory growth is occurring in at least two different ways within criminology. First, there is evidence of traditional scientific theory accumulation in which newly formulated theories build upon the foundations of their forerunners. Second, it was found that overarching perspectives are occasionally blended, and this fusion produces unique explanations of crime and criminality. These findings demonstrate the usefulness of Wagner's model and provide guidelines on how to proceed with integrative theorizing in criminology. DEDICATION To my father and mother, for their constant support and encouragement. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The amount of help and advice I have received from various people during this project has been astounding and is greatly appreciated by the author. I would first like to thank Dr. Robert Gordon, my senior supervisor during this project. Dr. Gordon was a great choice for this position for many different reasons. In particular, he was an excellent guide and editor, and always remained encouraging and helpful. Next, I would like thank Dr. Liz Elliott for serving as second supervisor on the committee. Her suggestions for the work (and how to deal with the stress created by it) were always clever and helpful. I would also like to extend many thanks to Dr. David G. Wagner. Early on, I contacted him over electronic mail, and for not having ever seen or talked to me in person, he showed incredible interest in this project. He was also very encouraging and kind; he provided several crucial hints and suggestions at key points in my research. Professor Douglas Cousineau also deserves my gratitude for providing me with suggestions for possible ways to expand this work later in my academic career. Finally, I would to thank my teachers at the University of Montana, all of whom contributed to my grounding in social and criminological theory. I have made three incredibly important friends who also need recognition. First, I would like to thank Jesse Cale, whose aid in formatting this document preserved my sanity. Next, Camilla Sears, who was always encouraging and happy to help, ahd who also read many early drafts of this thesis. Finally, I need to thank Nicole LaFleur, who helped me through the stressful period leading up to the thesis defense, and who also read and edited several large portions of this work. TABLE OF CONTENTS .. Approval .............................................................................................................................zz ... Abstract .............................................................................................................................zzz Dedication ..........................................................................................................................iv Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................v Table of Contents ...............................................................................................................vi ... List of Figures .................................................................................................................vzzz Chapter 1: Introduction ......................................................................................................1 The Problem To Be Studied .........................................................................................1 Methods .........................................................................................................................4 Outline of Chapters ....................................................................................................... 5 Chapter 2: The Puzzle of Theory ......................................................................................7 The Philosophy of Science Debate ...............................................................................7 Offerings From Sociological Theoreticians............................................................... 17 Chapter 3: The Divided World of Criminological Theorizing .......................................31 The Crisis in Theory Production ............................................................................... 31 Other Attempts to Survey Criminological Theory ................................................... 42 Chapter 4: Organisms. Machines and Samurai .............................................................48 Foundations of the Monolith: The "Chicago School" Orienting Strategy ............ 48 The Working Out of The "Core Set": The Research of Shaw and McKay .......... 54 Branching Trajectories: Sutherland's Theory of Differential Association ........... 57 Sutherland: Criminological Colonist. Sociological Samurai ................................. 61 Robert Merton: Functionalist Prophet ....................................................................63 Connecting Traditions and Theoretical Branches ................................................... 69 Out of the Ashes: Agnew's General Theory of Strain ........................................74 Chapter 5: Bonds. Learning. and Duels .........................................................................76 Control Theory Orienting Strategy ........................................................................... 76 The Early Control Program: Cases of Non-Competitive Variants ........................ 77 Reaction from the West Coast: Dueling Unit Theories .......................................... 83 Akers' Social Learning Theory: Symbolic-Interactionism Strikes Back .............. 88 Battle for a General Theory of Crime and Deviance: Dueling Research Programs ...................................................................................................................... 91 Developmental Theories: Dueling Proliferants ....................................................... 94 Chapter 6: Conclusion .....................................................................................................98 The Importance of Proliferation ................................................................................ 99 Practical Uses of This Work .....................................................................................103 Suggestions For Further Research ..........................................................................104 References .......................................................................................................................107 vii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 4- 1: The Early "Chicago School" Research Program ..........................................51 Figure 5- 1: Control Research Program ............................................................................ 78 Figure 5-2: Social Learning Research Program ...............................................................89 Figure 5-3:
Load more

Recommended publications
  • UNIT 9 CRIMINOLOGY THEORIES Criminological Theories
    UNIT 9 CRIMINOLOGY THEORIES Criminological Theories Structure 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Objectives 9.3 The Study of Criminology 9.4 What is Criminology? 9.5 Brief History of Criminology 9.6 Classical School of Criminology 9.6.1 Pre Classical School 9.6.2 Classical School of Criminology 9.6.3 Neo Classical School 9.7 Positive School of Criminology 9.8 Ecological School of Criminology 9.9 Theories Related to Physical Appearance 9.9.1 Phsiognomy and Phrenology 9.9.2 Criminal Anthropology: Lombroso to Goring 9.9.3 Body Type Theories: Sheldon to Cortes 9.10 Biological Factors and Criminal Behaviour 9.10.1 Chromosomes and Crime 9.10.2 Family Studies 9.10.3 Twin and Adoption Studies 9.10.4 Neurotransmitters 9.10.5 Hormones 9.10.6 The Autonomic Nervous System 9.11 Psychoanalytical Theories of Crime 9.11.1 Psychanalytic Explanations of Criminal Behaviour 9.12 Sociological Theories of Criminal Behaviour 9.12.1 Durkhiem, Anomie and Modernisation 9.12.2 Merton’s Strain Theory 9.12.3 Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory 9.13 Critical Criminology 9.13.1 Marxim and Marxist Criminology 9.14 Control Theories 9.14.1 Drift and Neutralisation 9.14.2 Hirschi’s Social Control 9.14.3 Containment Theory 9.14.4 Labeling Theory 9.15 Conflict Theories 9.15.1 Sellin’s Culture Conflict Theory 9.15.2 Vold’s Group Conflict Theory 9.15.3 Quinney’s Theory of the Social Reality of Crime 9.15.4 Turk’s Theory of Criminalisation 9.15.5 Chambliss and Seidman’s Analysis of the Criminal Justice System 5 Theories and Perspectives 9.16 Summary in Criminal Justice 9.17 Terminal Questions 9.18 Answers and Hints 9.19 References and Suggested Readings 9.1 INTRODUCTION Criminology is the scientific approach towards studying criminal behaviour.
    [Show full text]
  • Concentric Zone Theory
    Lecture-04 M.A.(Semester-II) PAPER-8 Urban Sociology CONCENTRIC ZONE THEORY Dr. Shankar Kumar Lal University Department of Sociology Lalit Narayan Mithila University Kameshwarnagar,Darbhanga E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: +91-8252199182 CONCENTRIC ZONE THEORY ORIGIN . Developed in the 1920’s by Ernest Burgess and Robert Park, University of Chicago . Hypothesis of this theory is that cities grow and develop outwardly in concentric zones. Sought to explain the socioeconomic divides in and out of the city . Model was based on Chicago’s city layout . First theory to explain the distribution of social groups CONCENTRIC ZONE THEORY….? • Social structures extend outward from one central business area. • Population density decreases towards outward zones • Shows correlation between socioeconomic status and the distance from the central business district • Also known as the Burgess Model, the Bull’s Eye Model, the Concentric Ring Model, or the Concentric Circles Model. Concentric Zone Model ZONE 1: CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT(CBD) • Non-residential center for business. • “Downtown” area • Emphasis on business and commerce • Commuted to by residents of other zones Commercial centre . First, the inner most ring zone or nucleolus of the city is a commercial centre also called Central Business District (CBD) in North America and western countries. This zone is characterized by high intensity of commercial, social and civic amenities. It is the heart of the city which includes department stores, office buildings, shops, banks, clubs, hotels, theatres and many other civic buildings. Being the centre of commercial activities and location, it is accessible from all directions and attracts a large number of people.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to Criminology
    PART 1 © Nevarpp/iStockphoto/Getty Images Introduction to Criminology CHAPTER 1 Crime and Criminology. 3 CHAPTER 2 The Incidence of Crime . 35 1 © Tithi Luadthong/Shutterstock CHAPTER 1 Crime and Criminology Crime and the fear of crime have permeated the fabric of American life. —Warren E. Burger, Chief Justice, U.S. Supreme Court1 Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd. —Bertrand Russell2 OBJECTIVES • Define criminology, and understand how this field of study relates to other social science disciplines. Pg. 4 • Understand the meaning of scientific theory and its relationship to research and policy. Pg. 8 • Recognize how the media shape public perceptions of crime. Pg. 19 • Know the criteria for establishing causation, and identify the attributes of good research. Pg. 13 • Understand the politics of criminology and the importance of social context. Pg. 18 • Define criminal law, and understand the conflict and consensus perspectives on the law. Pg. 5 • Describe the various schools of criminological theory and the explanations that they provide. Pg. 9 of the public’s concern about the safety of their com- Introduction munities, crime is a perennial political issue that can- Crime is a social phenomenon that commands the didates for political office are compelled to address. attention and energy of the American public. When Dealing with crime commands a substantial por- crime statistics are announced or a particular crime tion of the country’s tax dollars. Criminal justice sys- goes viral, the public demands that “something be tem operations (police, courts, prisons) cost American done.” American citizens are concerned about their taxpayers over $270 billion annually.
    [Show full text]
  • Sociological Theories of Deviance: Definitions & Considerations
    Sociological Theories of Deviance: Definitions & Considerations NCSS Strands: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions Time, Continuity, and Change Grade level: 9-12 Class periods needed: 1.5- 50 minute periods Purpose, Background, and Context Sociologists seek to understand how and why deviance occurs within a society. They do this by developing theories that explain factors impacting deviance on a wide scale such as social frustrations, socialization, social learning, and the impact of labeling. Four main theories have developed in the last 50 years. Anomie: Deviance is caused by anomie, or the feeling that society’s goals or the means to achieve them are closed to the person Control: Deviance exists because of improper socialization, which results in a lack of self-control for the person Differential association: People learn deviance from associating with others who act in deviant ways Labeling: Deviant behavior depends on who is defining it, and the people in our society who define deviance are usually those in positions of power Students will participate in a “jigsaw” where they will become knowledgeable in one theory and then share their knowledge with the rest of the class. After all theories have been presented, the class will use the theories to explain an historic example of socially deviant behavior: Zoot Suit Riots. Objectives & Student Outcomes Students will: Be able to define the concepts of social norms and deviance 1 Brainstorm behaviors that fit along a continuum from informal to formal deviance Learn four sociological theories of deviance by reading, listening, constructing hypotheticals, and questioning classmates Apply theories of deviance to Zoot Suit Riots that occurred in the 1943 Examine the role of social norms for individuals, groups, and institutions and how they are reinforced to maintain a order within a society; examine disorder/deviance within a society (NCSS Standards, p.
    [Show full text]
  • Chicago School (Sociology)
    Chicago school (sociology) In sociology and later criminology, the Chicago school (sometimes described as the ecological school) was the first major body of works emerging during the 1920s and 1930s specializing in urban sociology, and the research into the urban environment by combining theory and ethnographic fieldwork in Chicago, now applied elsewhere. While involving scholars at several Chicago area universities, the term is often used interchangeably to refer to the University of Chicago's sociology department. Following the Second World War, a "second Chicago school" arose whose members used symbolic interactionism combined with methods of field research (today often referred to asethnography ), to create a new body of work.[1] The major researchers in the first Chicago school included Nels Anderson, Ernest Burgess, Ruth Shonle Cavan, Edward Franklin Frazier, Everett Hughes, Roderick D. McKenzie, George Herbert Mead, Robert E. Park, Walter C. Reckless, Edwin Sutherland, W. I. Thomas [1], Frederic Thrasher, Louis Wirth, and Florian Znaniecki. The activist, social scientist, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams also forged and maintained close ties with some of the members of the Chicago school of sociology. Contents Discussion Ecology and social theories Conclusions References References Other references Discussion The Chicago school is best known for its urban sociology and for the development of the symbolic interactionist approach, notably through the work of Herbert Blumer. It has focused on human behavior as shaped by social structures and physical environmental factors, rather than genetic and personal characteristics. Biologists and anthropologists had accepted the theory of evolution as demonstrating that animals adapt to their environments.
    [Show full text]
  • Religion and Reform in the City: the Re-Thinking Chicago Movement of the 1930S
    Wright State University CORE Scholar History Faculty Publications History 1986 Religion and Reform in the City: The Re-Thinking Chicago Movement of the 1930s Jacob Dorn Wright State University - Main Campus, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/history Part of the History Commons Repository Citation Dorn, J. (1986). Religion and Reform in the City: The Re-Thinking Chicago Movement of the 1930s. Church History, 55 (3), 323-337. https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/history/2 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the History at CORE Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in History Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of CORE Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Religion and Reform in the City: The Re-Thinking Chicago Movement of the 1930s JACOB H. DORN Historians have produced a rich and sophisticated literature on urban reform in the progressive era before the First World War. It includes numerous studies of individual cities, biographies of urban leaders, and analyses of particular movements and organizations. This literature illu- minates important variations among reformers and their achievements, the relationships between urban growth and reform, and the functional role of the old-style political machines against which progressives battled. Similarly, there are many examinations of progressive-era reformers' ideas about and attitudes toward the burgeoning industrial cities that had come into being with disquieting rapidity during their own lifetimes. Some of these works go well beyond the controversial conclusions of Morton and Lucia White in The Intellectual Versus the City (1964) to find more complex-and sometimes more positive-assessments of the new urban civilization.' Substantially less is known about efforts to reform particular cities and about the ideas and attitudes of urban intellectuals in the interwar years, especially the 1930s.
    [Show full text]
  • Information to Users
    INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced frommicrofilm the master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from aity type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and in^roper alignment can adversely afreet reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note wiH indicate the deletioiL Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overl^s. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6" x 9" black and white photographic prints are available for aity photographs or illustrations sqypearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. UMI A Bell & Howell Information Company 300 North Zeeb Road. Ann Arbor. Ml 48106-1346 USA 313.'761-4700 800.'521-0600 FEMINIST RECONSTRUCTIONS OF IDENTITY IN A SELF-HELP PROGRAM: A STUDY OF TWO SOCIAL MOVEMENT ORGANIZATIONS FOR INCEST SURVIVORS DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Andre' Arianrhodd Levi, B.A., M.A.
    [Show full text]
  • Centennial Bibliography on the History of American Sociology
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Sociology Department, Faculty Publications Sociology, Department of 2005 Centennial Bibliography On The iH story Of American Sociology Michael R. Hill [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/sociologyfacpub Part of the Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, and the Social Psychology and Interaction Commons Hill, Michael R., "Centennial Bibliography On The iH story Of American Sociology" (2005). Sociology Department, Faculty Publications. 348. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/sociologyfacpub/348 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Sociology, Department of at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Sociology Department, Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Hill, Michael R., (Compiler). 2005. Centennial Bibliography of the History of American Sociology. Washington, DC: American Sociological Association. CENTENNIAL BIBLIOGRAPHY ON THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN SOCIOLOGY Compiled by MICHAEL R. HILL Editor, Sociological Origins In consultation with the Centennial Bibliography Committee of the American Sociological Association Section on the History of Sociology: Brian P. Conway, Michael R. Hill (co-chair), Susan Hoecker-Drysdale (ex-officio), Jack Nusan Porter (co-chair), Pamela A. Roby, Kathleen Slobin, and Roberta Spalter-Roth. © 2005 American Sociological Association Washington, DC TABLE OF CONTENTS Note: Each part is separately paginated, with the number of pages in each part as indicated below in square brackets. The total page count for the entire file is 224 pages. To navigate within the document, please use navigation arrows and the Bookmark feature provided by Adobe Acrobat Reader.® Users may search this document by utilizing the “Find” command (typically located under the “Edit” tab on the Adobe Acrobat toolbar).
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter Eight: Deviance and Social Control
    Chapter Eight: Deviance and Social Control Chapter Summary Sociologists use the term deviance to refer to any violation of rules and norms. From a sociological perspective, deviance is relative. Definitions of “what is deviant” vary across societies and from one group to another within the same society. Howard S. Becker described the interpretation of deviance as, “…not the act itself, but the reaction to the act that makes something deviant.” This coincides with the symbolic interactionist view. In some cases, an individual need not do anything to be labeled a deviant. He or she may be falsely accused or discredited because of a birth defect, race, or disease. Even crime is relative when interpreting the deviance of the actor. Deviance is based on adherence to and violation of norms. Human groups need norms to exist. By making behavior predictable, norms make social life possible. Consequently, all human groups develop a system of social control, which involves formal and informal means of enforcing norms. Those who violate these norms face the danger of being labeled “deviant.” Violators can expect to experience negative sanctions for the violation of norms. Members of society who conform to societal norms, especially those who go above and beyond what is commonly expected, receive positive sanctions. In some societies, such as the Amish, shaming is a common negative sanction that acts strongly as a means of social control, minimizing deviance. Biologists, psychologists, and sociologists have different perspectives on why people violate norms. Biological explanations focus on genetic predispositions, psychologists concentrate on abnormalities within the individual (commonly known as personality disorders), and sociologists look at social factors outside the individual.
    [Show full text]
  • Sociology 4111 (Uggen): Deviant Behavior Midterm Review, Spring 2004
    Sociology 4111 (Uggen): Deviant Behavior Midterm Review, Spring 2004 PART I: BASIC CONCEPTS -- DEVIANCE, CONTROL, AND CAREERS I. Social Facts and Social Constructions II. Defining Deviance a. Clinard’s Definitions of Deviance (Statistical, Absolutist, Reactivist, Normative) b. Adlers’ definition’s i. Deviance as violation of social norms (Attitudes, Behaviors, Conditions, Prescriptive norms, Proscriptive norms) ii. Role iii. Subcultures iv. Power v. Moral entrepreneurs c. Kai Erikson (1966) III. Differences between Criminology and Deviance a. Piece in The Criminologist: b. Heckert: positive deviance i. Altruism (hero) ii. Charisma (dictator) iii. Innovation (artist) iv. Supra-Conformity (4.0) v. Innate/Ascribed (beauty) vi. Ex-Deviant (saved) c. Middle Class norms - Typology of Deviance IV. Social Controls and the Hobbesian Problem of Order a. Thomas Hobbes i. “Hobbesian problem of order” ii. How can we create a society in which self-interested people don’t use force and fraud to satisfy their (criminal, sexual, substance-abusing …) wants? iii. 3 “solutions” to Hobbesian dilemma 1. Normative 2. Exchange 3. Conflict iv. Informal social controls v. Formal social controls b. social controls and constructions i. Clinard: Deviant Events in Context ii. Joel Best: Social Constructionism c. Race and formal control i. Anderson on police as social control ii. Local perspective/Why focus on police? V. Introduction to Deviant Careers (of people, firms, nations…) a. Becoming Deviant b. Phases of the Deviant Career 1 VI. Subcultures, Power, and “Unconventional Sentimentality” (5 min. video: The Wall) a. Chambliss: Saints and Roughnecks b. Sanchez Jankowski: Joining a Gang c. Fox: Real Punks and Pretenders PART II: THEORIES OF DEVIANCE AND SOCIETAL REACTION VII.
    [Show full text]
  • Employee Theft: a Study of the Major Sociological, Economic
    AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF IRENE ELAINE VOIT for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS IN INTER- DISCIPLINARY STUDIES in BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, ECONOMICS, AND SOCIOLOGY presented on MAY 1, 1978 Title: EMPLOYEE THEFT: A STUDY OF THE MAJOR SOCIOLOGICAL, ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS CAUSAL THEORIES Redacted for Privacy Abstract approved: DR. MATT M. AMANO Although employee theft is claimed by many authors to be a significant problem in America with corrosive and damaging effects upon business and society, very little research has been done to establish the causes of such behavior. The purpose of this thesis was to identify, discuss, and critically evaluate theories that might have the potential to explain the etiology of employee theft. To discover the most promising theories necessitated searching the literature of several disciplines, including criminology/sociology, business, and economics. A surprisingly small amount of literature that could be considered of a serious or research nature that was concerned specifically with employee theft could be uncovered. It became necessary to broaden the search to include major theories on the etiology of crime in general and to determine their applicability and value in the study of employee theft. Differential association theory, alienation theory, labeling theory, and cost/benefit analysis were identified as having potential value despite their cited shortcomings. The final chapter compared the approaches of the theories, discussed how current research methodology is deficient, and suggested areas for future
    [Show full text]
  • The Ladies Vanish? American Sociology and the Genealogy of Its Missing Women on Wikipedia Wei Luo, Julia Adams and Hannah Brueck
    The Ladies Vanish? American Sociology and the Genealogy of its Missing Women on Wikipedia Wei Luo, Julia Adams and Hannah Brueckner Working Paper # 0012 January 2018 Division of Social Science Working Paper Series New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island P.O Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, UAE https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/academics/divisions/social-science.html 1 The Ladies Vanish? American Sociology and the Genealogy of its Missing Women on Wikipedia Wei Luo Yale University [email protected] Julia Adams Yale University [email protected] Hannah Brueckner NYU-Abu Dhabi [email protected] Acknowledgements The authors gratefully acknowledge support for this research from the National Science Foundation (grant #1322971), research assistance from Yasmin Kakar, and comments from Scott Boorman, anonymous reviewers, participants in the Comparative Research Workshop at Yale Sociology, as well as from panelists and audience members at the Social Science History Association. 2 The Ladies Vanish? American Sociology and the Genealogy of its Missing Women on Wikipedia Wei Luo, Julia Adams and Hannah Brueckner “People just don't vanish and so forth.” “But she has.” “What?” “Vanished.” “Who?” “The old dame.” … “But how could she?” “What?” “Vanish.” “I don't know.” “That just explains my point. People just don't disappear into thin air.” --- Alfred Hitchcock, The Lady Vanishes (1938)1 INTRODUCTION In comparison to many academic disciplines, sociology has been relatively open to women since its founding, and seems increasingly so. Yet many notable female sociologists are missing from the public history of American sociology, both print and digital. The rise of crowd- sourced digital sources, particularly the largest and most influential, Wikipedia, seems to promise a new and more welcoming approach.
    [Show full text]