Crime and Deviance Flashcards
What is crime in sociology?
Crime refers to behavior that violates the laws of society, leading to formal penalties such as imprisonment or fines. It is considered a violation of legal norms, and society has institutions (like the police and courts) to enforce laws.
What is deviance in sociology?
Deviance is behavior that goes against the social norms or expectations of a society or group. Unlike crime, deviance does not necessarily break the law but challenges societal norms or values.
What is the difference between crime and deviance?
Crime is a specific type of deviance that involves breaking formal laws, while deviance refers more broadly to behavior that violates social norms, whether or not laws are broken.
What is the functionalist view of crime?
Functionalist sociologists, particularly Émile Durkheim, argue that crime is a natural part of society. It serves social functions, such as reinforcing social norms, promoting social change, and clarifying societal boundaries.
What is strain theory?
Strain theory, proposed by Robert Merton, suggests that crime occurs when there is a gap between societal goals (e.g., financial success) and the means available to achieve them. People may resort to deviant behavior to achieve these goals when legitimate means are unavailable.
What is the role of anomie in crime?
Anomie, a concept developed by Durkheim, refers to a state of normlessness or breakdown in societal norms. It can lead to deviant behavior as individuals feel disconnected from the established norms and rules of society.
What is the subcultural theory of crime?
Subcultural theory, proposed by Albert Cohen, argues that some groups in society, especially those in disadvantaged social positions, form subcultures with their own values and norms, which may include criminal or deviant behavior as a response to social strain.
What is the interactionist view of crime and deviance?
Interactionists, such as Howard Becker, suggest that crime and deviance are socially constructed. They argue that individuals are labeled as deviant based on social interactions, and this label can influence how people are treated and their future behavior.
What is labeling theory?
Labeling theory, developed by Howard Becker, asserts that deviance is the result of societal labels. Once an individual is labeled as deviant, they may adopt this identity and continue to engage in deviant behavior due to societal expectations.
What is the difference between primary and secondary deviance?
Primary deviance refers to initial acts of deviance that do not result in the person being labeled as deviant. Secondary deviance occurs when the individual accepts the deviant label and engages in further deviant behavior.
What is the Marxist view of crime?
Marxists argue that crime is a result of inequality in capitalist societies. The ruling class makes laws that serve their interests, and the working class is more likely to be criminalized. Crime is seen as a way for the working class to express frustration with their social and economic conditions.
What is the concept of white-collar crime?
White-collar crime refers to non-violent crimes typically committed by individuals in high social or economic status, such as fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading. These crimes often have less severe consequences compared to street-level crimes.
What is the social construction of crime?
The social construction of crime refers to the idea that crime is not inherent in an act but is defined by society. What is considered criminal can vary depending on time, place, and social context.
What is the control theory of crime?
Control theory, developed by Travis Hirschi, suggests that individuals engage in deviant behavior when their bonds to society (e.g., family, school, work) are weak. Strong social ties prevent people from engaging in crime.
What is the role of social control in preventing crime?
Social control refers to mechanisms, such as laws, norms, and institutions, that regulate behavior and encourage conformity. It helps maintain order and prevents deviant behavior by rewarding conformity and punishing violations.
What is the function of the criminal justice system?
The criminal justice system is responsible for enforcing laws, apprehending offenders, conducting trials, and administering punishment. Its function is to deter crime, rehabilitate offenders, and protect society from harm.
What is the social conflict theory of crime?
The social conflict theory, associated with Marxism, views crime as a product of inequality. It argues that laws are created by those in power to protect their interests, and crime is often the result of oppressed groups rebelling against these power structures.
What is routine activities theory?
Routine activities theory, developed by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson, suggests that crime occurs when three elements converge: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardianship. The theory highlights the role of everyday activities in crime occurrence.
What is the feminist theory of crime?
Feminist criminology argues that traditional theories of crime ignore the role of gender. Feminists argue that women are often victims of crime (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault) and that societal norms around gender influence both the likelihood of committing crime and being criminalized.
What is a moral panic?
A moral panic is a widespread social reaction to a perceived threat or deviance, often amplified by the media. Examples include fears around youth subcultures, drug use, or new types of crime that are exaggerated or sensationalized by the public.
