Ideological Beliefs and Attitudes Towards Criminal Offenders
The present thesis examined the relation between socio-political ideologies and punitive attitudes towards different types of offences across two samples of undergraduate students. Using data from Sample 1, the structure of 34 offences based on severity of punishment ratings was evaluated. Findings indicated that attitudes grouped together in psychologically meaningful ways. Specifically, offences fell into four categories defined by anti-establishment offences, economically driven offences, sexual offences, and homicidal offences. Using Sample 2 data, confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the structure of punitive ratings. Applying Duckitt’s (2001) Dual-Process Motivational Model, findings showed partial support for the differential effects hypothesis: RWA and SDO related to punitive attitudes towards different offences. Additionally, there was partial support for the differential mediation hypothesis: whereas the relation between RWA and punitive attitudes was mediated by collective security restoration as a symbolic motive for punishment, the relation between SDO and punitive attitudes was mediated by status and power restoration.
History
Language
EnglishDegree
- Master of Arts
Program
- Psychology
Granting Institution
Ryerson UniversityLAC Thesis Type
- Thesis