The Rationalization Of Deviance By Forsyth And Evans

According to Craig J. Forsyth and Rhonda D. Evans, the term dogmen can be used to define an individual who â€Å"fights their pit-bulls in matches against other pit-bulls† (Forsyth and Evans 1998). Forsyth and Evans conducted research on those who were considered to be dogmen and those who actively opposed dog fighting. This research was conducted through formal and informal interviews along with additional data from other sources. The location of the observation of this research took place in what is considered the center of dogfighting in the United States, Louisiana( ). The purpose of the research was to â€Å"examine the neautrializeation techniques dogmen use as they attempt to counter stigma, criminal, identity and criticism†(205). This paper will analyze the article Dogmen: The Rationalization of Deviance by Forsyth and Evans on it’s connection to law and social control. In the article, Forsyth and Evans found that the dogmen had use three main neutraliza tion techniques. As stated in the article, the neutralization theory was set by Sykes and Matza in 1957( Forsyth and Evans 1998 205). The theory identified five mechanism in which an individual rationalize their deviant behavior. Out of the five main techniques created, dogmen were found to use three of them. Out of the five additional techniques other authors included only one was used. One of the techniques dogmen were known to use was denial of injury. Dogmen interviewed had seen no harm in what they had done because the