Punishment and social organization: a study of durkheim's theory of penal evolution

Law & Society Review • Vol/Iss. 9 • Published In • Pages: 613-638 •
By Spitzer, Steven

Abstract

This study empirically tests Durkheim’s theories of punishment in a sample of preindustrial societies. Analysis shows little support for five hypotheses derived from Durkheim’s theories. Findings indicate that in preindustrial societies, the intensity of punishment is associated with political integration, there are fewer collective definitions of crime, there is a higher likelihood of using material sanctions; additionally, slavery is likely to be an institutionalized means of punishment in societies with harsher sanctions.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
HRAF Collection of Ethnography (paper/fiche)Researcher's Own
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)Previously Coded

Hypotheses (5)

HypothesisSupported
Greater societal complexity and dynamic density will be negatively associated with severity of punishment (618).Not Supported
Absolutist political structures will be negatively associated with leniency in punishment (618).Not Supported
Greater societal complexity and dynamic density will be positively associated with individual rather than collective crimes (618).Not Supported
Greater societal complexity and dynamic density will be negatively associated with severity of punishment of collective crimes (618).Not Supported
Punishment in more evolved punitive systems will take the form of deprivation of liberty (618).Not Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Jessie Cohen  Amelia Piazza  abbe.mccarter