on why a poor woman is not likewise irresponsible when she takes
something that she needs or must have. The kleptomaniac finds herself in
a position where her emotions and her feelings are too strong for her
judgment and inhibitions. Everyone who acts must act from similar causes
or inducements. There is no special providence in the realm of mind.
There is no room for chance in any natural phenomenon. Possibly the
public will understand sometime, and law-makers and law-enforcers will
place crime and punishment on a scientific basis.

XXVII

SOCIAL CONTROL

Organizations and cults are forever coining new expressions that sound
"pat" and for this reason seem true. As a rule, these terms and phrases
are put in the shape of general statements that may or may not mean
something; but their "pat" sound is used to justify all sorts of
excesses and violations of individual rights. The term "social control"
is met everywhere now. It may imply much or little, according to the
construction of the users. It is meant at least to imply that somewhere
is lodged a power to bring under control or supervision the refractory
or evil elements of society for the well being of the whole. As a rule,
under this phrase anything is justified which seems in some way fit for
the community as a whole. The fact that the restraint interferes with
personal liberty seems to have no bearing on the matter. Social control
necessarily means that the majority of the members of a social unit
shall limit the freedom of action of the individual to conform to its
view. Of course, the majority has the right because it has the power. In
the discussion of political or philosophical questions, "right" means
little more or less than "power." A right must be based upon some custom
or habit with some power to enforce it, or it cannot be claimed. It can
never be enjoyed without the power to obtain it.

The relation of society to the individual has been one long conflict.
This is necessarily true because every human organism has instincts,
feelings and desires and is naturally impatient at any limitations
placed upon it unless self-imposed. On the other hand, organized society
functions to preserve itself, and if the activities of the individual
are hostile to this preservation the individual must give way. Theorists
of various schools are forever propounding social ideas, with the
positive assurance that, if followed, they would work automatically and
heal a