Thinking About Crime: A View Through the Lens of Social Reflexivity

Abstract

Abstract:

This research article aims to analyse social and personal processes within the framework of the theory of social reflexivity, in order to understand different types of personal and social behaviours related to social reflexivity that play a role in the interaction between structure and agency in the creation of criminal behaviour from a postmodern perspective. The article focuses on the theory of social reflexivity as developed by Anthony Giddens and discusses how this theory can be used to understand crime and social deviance. Through these cases, the reconciliation between competing theories of reflexivity in ongoing action and temporary strategies of behaviour guided by consciousness can be understood. Anthony Giddens has played a pioneering role in the social analysis of the interaction between structure and agency. We also attempt to discuss his methodology, highlighting some of the limitations of the theory as well as the additions and contributions it has made to the study of social origins, socialisation and the ongoing reproduction of social projects of knowledge, vigilance and distance.