| Summary: | "This volume is intentionally far from representing an attempt at exhaustive discussion, or even complete cataloging, of the data of criminology. The book differs from others in the general field in that it is, from first to last, an attempt at a psychologic approach. But it does not emphasize criminal-personality characteristics that were "before the world was." On the other hand the author believes that this personality is at least as much a product of social contacts as is the professional disposition of the physician, e.g. The acquired attitudes, he believes, are probably the greatest sources of our behavior whether it be making professional visits upon the sick or robbing banks. These attitudes develop out of infinitely numerous reactions to our environment; reactions that are facilitated or retarded by reason of our native capacities, our prepotent reflexes, etc. Whatever agencies are set up, therefore, for dealing with the criminal must be examined as to their merits by reference to their suitability for developing appropriate attitudes among criminals and all others who come into contact with these agencies"--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).
|
|---|