What do techniques of neutralization allow individuals to do, according to Sykes and Matza (1957)?

Techniques of neutralization, as proposed by Sykes and Matza, provide individuals with justifications that enable them to engage in behavior that society typically labels as deviant or unethical. These techniques act as rationalizations that help individuals maintain a positive self-image and alleviate feelings of guilt or responsibility for their actions. By using methods such as denial of responsibility, denial of injury, and appeal to higher loyalties, individuals can convince themselves that their actions are acceptable under certain circumstances, thus allowing them to reconcile their behavior with societal norms.

While enhancing social standing, reducing criminal tendencies, or increasing compliance with regulations might seem relevant, these outcomes do not align with the primary purpose of techniques of neutralization, which is fundamentally about justifying and rationalizing one's deviant actions rather than fostering conformity or reducing deviance.