Artikel

De sociologische achtergrond van Cohens begrip "ambivalentie"

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Abstract

The sociological background of Cohen's concept of “ambivalence” - Recently the opinion has often been expressed that society is in fact criminogenic. This is not meant to be a repetition of Lacassagne’s remark that every society has the criminals it deserves but points to the fact that crime is a typical contradiction of the social structure. Though Merton is perhaps the best known exponent of this type of approach, similar views have been expressed by many other authors. Several instances are given of the criminogenic effect of the social structure. Cohen’s theory should be examined against this background. In Delinquent boys, he stresses the negativistic content of the delinquent subculture which is considered as a manifestation of reaction-formation and ambivalence. Subsequent studies do not seem to have invalidated this analysis. In order to grasp the full significance of Cohen’s theory it is necessary to embark upon a thorough analysis of the social structure. Our society is shown to be capitalistic, authoritarian, alienating and class-structured. Norms originate in the ruling class that molds the State’s policy. The result of this situation is an accumulation of problems, negative stimuli and unfavourable circumstances in the lower classes. Whereas the dominant norms are internalized by the upper strata they conflict with working-class values. This conflict finds expression in ambivalence. Cohen emphasises that ambivalence is a result of the differentiation which occurs in the process of internalization. This would explain the current pattern of criminal behaviour. The criminal’s ambivalent attitude can further be inferred from the partial rejection of social norms, an extreme form of individualism, notwithstanding the fact that this very individualism springs from the social make-up which in turn generates the distinction between legitimate and unlawful means of achievement. Crime then, in this sense, is a reflection of society’s inner contradictions.

How to Cite:

Weinstock, N., (1967) “De sociologische achtergrond van Cohens begrip "ambivalentie"”, Tijdschrift voor Sociale Wetenschappen 12(2), 133–158. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tvsw.95770