What does "making sense of conflicting positions" refer to in criminological theories?

"Making sense of conflicting positions" in criminological theories primarily refers to the process of reconciling opposing facts. This involves analyzing various viewpoints, evidence, and data that might contradict one another within the realm of crime, criminal behavior, and societal responses. By reconciling these opposing facts, criminologists and theorists can better understand the complexities of crime and develop more comprehensive explanations that consider different dimensions of human behavior, societal influences, and contextual factors.

This reconciliation process is crucial in addressing issues such as the effectiveness of certain criminal justice policies, differing perspectives on crime causation, and the socio-cultural underpinnings of criminal behavior. It ultimately aids in creating a more nuanced understanding of crime that can inform policy-making, prevention efforts, and law enforcement strategies. By synthesizing conflicting facts, theorists can often identify patterns or realities that might be overlooked when focusing solely on singular narratives.