Myth,allegiances, and the study of social control |
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Authors: | Carole Case Ronald A Farrell |
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Institution: | (1) Dept. of Criminal Justice, University of NV, 4505 Maryland Pkwy., Box 455009, 89154-5009 Las Vegas, NV |
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Abstract: | That sociology subscribes to certain popular myths and has aligned itself with the welfare of some groups over others complicates
research into social control. This is especially so when the research deals with stereotypes and their effects on differential
legal treatment. That the discipline has historically taken sides regarding certain commonly held stereotypes and been supportive
of certain groups, means that findings that challenge those stereotypes or that are viewed as detrimental to the supported
groups are brought into question. Our research on a regulatory mechanism of social control—the Black Book, a list of persons
excluded from licensed gaming in Nevada because of their perceived threat to the industry—is illustrative of these complications.
Our findings that the Black Book is largely symbolic and is applied discriminatorily challenge not only beliefs in its efficacy
but certain myths and allegiances within sociology. That a group sociologically identified with the problem was discriminated
against, and that a well-protected group elicited preferential treatment at the hands of regulators who identify with them
have been particularly problematic for the acceptance of the findings. We argue here that debunking myth and value neutrality
are essential to scientific endeavor and should override such disciplinary tendencies toward the tolerance and protection
of some groups over others.
Her research has dealt with aspects of culture, organized crime, and social elites. She is currently working on a book on
high society and thoroughbred racing.
His publications have dealt with issues of labeling and secondary deviation, the role of stereotypes in the legal process,
and the legal reaction to corporate crime. |
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