knowledge-based frameworks to explain human motivation, social organization, and
structural relationships.
This integrative desire is not new. Criminologists have
expressed considerable dissatisfaction with existent theories of crime and deviance. The
groundbreaking work of Merton (1938), Sutherland (1947), and Cohen (1955) can be
perhaps seen as nothing more than early attempts at coherent integration.
Integration, following a dictionary definition, has been defined as efforts "to bring
parts together into a unified whole" (Liska et al., 1989: 1). The notion of a unified whole
implies some ordering or establishing of relationships among parts. Thornberry defines
theoretical integration as "the act of combining two or more sets of logically interrelated
propositions into one larger set of interrelated propositions… in order to provide a more
comprehensive explanation of a particular phenomenon"(1989: 52). Arrigo suggests that
“linkages among different conceptual arguments” is important when advancing
theoretical growth. Through ‘…synthetic analysis’ a more cogent explanation for
promoting objective science’ can than occur (1994:15).
However, not everyone agrees in the universal worth of the integrationist project.
Bernard (1991) argues that the drive toward integration has hindered rather than helped
criminology. Bernard argues that instead of advancing socially useful solutions to the
problem of crime and its various complexities, the drive toward integration has created a
sub field of integrationists and their critics who combine theoretical frameworks without
adequately addressing the underlying challenges of this kind of connection.
A significant challenge inherent in any integrative project is the tendency to pick
and choose elements of theories one likes and disregarding the others. Integration cannot
be seen as simply creating mere abstraction in a grand theory where concepts are simply
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Canadian criminologists have also made significant contributions to integrated explanations that include
control theory elements. Linden and his colleagues (Linden and Hackler 1973; Linden and Fillmore 1981)
combine social control theory with differential association to develop a more complete explanation than is
provided by either theory by itself. Hagan's (1989) power-control theory combines structural factors based
on occupational status and autonomy with social control theory variables. See Brownfield, D., Sorenson,
AM. (1995) Adolescent Drug Use and a General Theory of Crime: An Analysis of a Theoretical Integration
Canadian Journal of Criminology, Vol. 37
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While, the import of Bernard’s critique should not be dismissed, it might be argued that the social need
for better criminological theories may require that attempts be made to promote integration within specific
guidelines. On this view, an integrative approach would draw strength from established methods, findings,
theories and bodies of knowledge while treating seriously competing interests of theoretical integrity with
practical necessity. A core assumption in this approach would be an integrative construction which is
informed by the life course component.
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Convention