Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

8-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Sociology

Major Professor

Dr. Lois Presser

Committee Members

Dr. Asafa Jalata, Dr. Joseph Appiahene-Gyamfi, Dr. Bill McClanahan

Abstract

This research delves into Ghanaians' attitudes toward sanctions, using qualitative methods to uncover perspectives deeply influenced by cultural, religious, and ethical frameworks. One hundred participants, aged 18 and above, were individually interviewed using open-ended questions and prompts to elicit narratives about their experiences with formal, informal, and extra-judicial sanctions. The findings reveal that sanctions are not just a matter of discipline, law, and order, but they also hold a significant cultural, religious, and ethical value. They also shed light on the significant reservations regarding their implementation, thereby providing a deeper understanding of this complex issue. Key conclusions include: (1)Attitudes toward sanctions are shaped by narratives and past experiences; (2) Attitudes toward sanctions are shaped by intentions and expected outcomes; (3) Mob justice is illegal but justified; (4) Mob justice is a by-product of colonialism; (5) Attitudes toward corporal punishment of children are shaped by culture; (6) Attitudes toward corporal punishment of children are shaped by ethical dualism; (7) Attitudes toward sanctions are shaped by narratives and past experiences; and (8) Attitudes toward sanctions are shaped by intentions and expected outcomes.

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