Crime And Deviance

Question 1

What is crime? Give an example.

Answer 1

Something against the law. It is illegal. An example of this is murder.

Question 2

What is deviance? Give an example.

Answer 2

Something against the norms of society. It can change with time. An example of this is smoking weed. Not necessarily bad, but just unusual or uncommon.

Question 3

What is the difference between crime and deviance?

Answer 3

Any ‘crime’ will always be something that is against the law. However, deviance doesn’t necessarily have to be against the law for it to be deviant. For example, photocopying music sheets is actually illegal, but not seen as deviant in society. A male manager wearing a dress walking into work would be seen as deviant (because it breaks social norms), however it is not illegal. Although, sometimes the 2 can cross over. For example, kidnapping is both illegal and deviant.

Question 4

Define values.

Answer 4

General principles for how we should live our lives. They outline what’s right and wrong, good and bad.

Question 5

Define norms.

Answer 5

Specific rules/socially accepted standards that govern people’s behaviour in certain situations.

Question 6

Define moral codes.

Answer 6

Also known as ethical code/code of ethics. Describes a set of basic rules, values and principles held by either an individual, group or society.