AC 1.1 Compare criminal behaviour and deviance Flashcards
What is the social definition of criminal behaviour?
Actions or conduct that violates the accepted norms, values, and expectations of society - leading to disapproval, stigma, and punishable consequences.
What is the legal definition of criminal behaviour?
Actions that are prohibited by law and punishable through legal sanctions such as fines, imprisonment, or other forms of punishment.
It involves acts that are deemed harmful or threatening to individuals, property, or societal order, as defined by statutory law.
What are the formal sanctions against criminals?
Include punishments imposed by the legal system, such as fines, probation, community service, imprisonment, or in some cases, capital punishment (death penalty).
These sanctions are prescribed by law and enforced by government authorities to deter and punish criminal behaviour.
What are the variety of criminal acts?
Common types of criminal acts include homicide, assault, theft, robbery, burglary, fraud, drug trafficking, vandalism, arson, kidnapping, sexual offences, and white-collar crimes such as embezzlement and insider trading. The categorisation of criminal acts can vary depending on legal jurisdictions and cultural contexts.
What is deviance? Use the terms norms, moral codes and values.
Deviance occurs when individuals or groups violate these established norms, moral codes, or values, leading to social disapproval, stigma, or punishment.
Norms are the implicit or explicit rules governing acceptable behaviour within a society.
Moral codes represent the ethical principles and beliefs that guide individuals’ conduct.
Values are the fundamental beliefs and ideals held by a society, influencing judgements about what is right or wrong.
What are the informal and formal sanctions against deviance?
Informal sanctions against deviance include social disapproval, gossip or ridicule from peers, family, or community members. These sanctions operate through informal social control mechanisms and are not codified in law.
Formal sanctions against deviance, on the other hand, are imposed by the legal system and include punishments such as fines, imprisonment, probation, or community service. These sanctions are prescribed by law and enforced by government authorities to deter and punish deviant behaviour.
Give examples of forms of deviance
Substance abuse:
Vandalism: Deliberate destruction or damage to property.
Shoplifting:
Cheating: Violating academic or professional integrity by dishonestly obtaining or presenting information.
Truancy: Skipping school without authorisation.
Cyber bullying: Harassing, threatening, or intimidating others online.
