Neyhouse explores the intellectual foundations of criminological thought and their relationship to intellectual positivism in general. Positivism is a control-oriented philosophy, justifying and rationalizing control, that is most developed within criminology during economic contractions. These economic contractions are fraught with social unrest. Social unrest is reasonably perceived by the most powerful members of society as a threat to their status and livelihood. Hence, positivism and its justification of social control appeals to this group, who also have hegemonic power.