Comparing Crime And Deviance Flashcards
What do values refer to in a societal context?
Values refer to a shared and general set of principles about acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, such as ideas about right and wrong behaviour.
For example, one value for society may be that you accept and respect people of all faiths.
How do norms differ from values?
Norms refer to specific rules of expectations in a society about what is and is not socially acceptable behaviour, while values are more general principles.
There can be several norms that relate to one value.
Give an example of a norm related to the value of respecting the elderly.
Norms refer to the ways in which it is and is not acceptable to greet the elderly or to behave in front of them.
This highlights how norms are specific actions tied to broader values.
What is a moral code?
A moral code refers to a code of ethics that may be written down and explicit, with the expectation that individuals will follow and adhere to them.
Organizations may have their own moral codes to ensure high levels of professional behaviour.
What is an example of a moral code in an organization?
An example is the police code of ethics which they must explicitly adhere to, to uphold the respectable behaviour of the police organization.
Police officers are expected to follow this moral code at all times.
What is deviance?
Deviance refers to behaviour that differs from the ‘norm’ in a society.
Can behaviour be deviant without being criminal?
Yes, behaviour can be deviant without being criminal, and some behaviours can be both deviant and criminal.
What are the types of deviant behaviour?
- Good but unusual behaviour not carried out by many others.
- Unusual behaviour seen as eccentric or bizarre.
- Unusual behaviour that is bad or disapproved of.
Which type of deviance is most relevant to criminologists?
The type of deviance that involves doing something forbidden or regarded as unacceptable.
What does deviance involve?
Deviance involves breaking a rule or norm of some kind.
What forms can deviance take?
Deviance can range from extremely serious acts such as rape, murder, or arson to trivial acts such as queue jumping.
What are formal sanctions?
Sanctions imposed by official bodies such as the police, courts, schools, and other institutions.
What are informal sanctions?
Sanctions where rules are not formally written down and are perhaps ‘unspoken’.
What are the consequences of breaking formal rules?
They are punishments for breaking formal written rules or laws.
For example, courts may fine an offender for theft; schools may exclude pupils for bullying.
How do others show disapproval for breaking informal rules?
Others show their disapproval in informal ways, such as refusing to speak to them, telling them off, or giving a slap on the wrist.
What is criminal behaviour?
Criminal behaviour is any behaviour that is deviant and rule breaking, often causing harm to others or groups in society.
What do criminal behaviours deviate from?
Criminal behaviours deviate from social norms about acceptable behaviour and explicit laws.
What is the legal definition of criminal behaviour?
The legal definition refers to any action that is forbidden by law, including two key elements determined by a court of law.
What are the two key elements of criminal behaviour?
The two key elements are actus reus (guilty act) and mens rea (guilty mind).
What does actus reus refer to?
Actus reus refers to illegal behaviour.
What does mens rea refer to?
Mens rea refers to criminal intentions.
What is typically required for a criminal to be found guilty?
The presence of both actus reus and mens rea is typically required for a criminal to be found guilty.
Are there exceptions to the presence of actus reus and mens rea?
Yes, there are some exceptions that must be considered.
What is the social definition of criminal behaviour?
The social definition of criminal behaviour refers to the ways in which people in society determine behaviour to be acceptable or not, and as criminal or not.
What factors can affect people’s attitudes towards crime?
Several factors can affect people’s attitudes towards crime and behaviour.
What is an example of differing views on crime?
Law considers music and piracy to be illegal, but many people in society would not.
Additionally, the law considers speeding illegal but many people argue that at times, speeding is necessary.
How do law enforcement officers differ in their approach?
Some law enforcement officers opt to enforce the full law in all circumstances, while some do not.
What is an example of differing law enforcement actions?
Some police officers may prosecute someone for shoplifting bread, while others may challenge it but not pursue further action.
How does law making relate to societal views?
There are behaviours deemed criminal by society despite no law being written or passed, influenced by media, pressure groups, and businesses.
What is an example of a behaviour deemed criminal before it was law?
Society considered stalking to be criminal, but it was not introduced as a law until 2012.
