CRIME AND DEVIANCE - An Introduction Flashcards
What is the definition of Crime?
Breaking a law that is created within a society - Such as ‘Do not kill’.
A law is something which a society had set out as being important!
What does Newburn (2007) say about Crime?
They say that crime is a label given to certain behaviours that are prohibited / not allowed by the state.
What is the definition of Deviance?
Breaking and disobeying social norms and values / an expectation within society.
Remember that sometimes this will also be a crime and sometimes this is just be breaking an expectation within society
What do Downes and Rock (2007) say about Deviance?
They say that deviance is complicated and it depends on the context.
What used to be a crime in the UK but now is seen as an act of deviance by some within society?
Homosexuality!
It used to be a crime in the UK; now some people see it as being a deviant. However, in other areas of the world, being a homosexual is still a crime and may even be punishable by death.
How many types of crime exist?
4
What are the 4 different types of crime?
- Crimes against a Person
- Crimes against Property
- Crimes against the State
- Religious crimes
Give an example of ‘Crimes against a Person’. HINT: Name as many as you can; there are 3 here!
A crime where there is one intended victim!
- Mugging someone
- Prostitution
- Rape
Give an example of ‘Crimes against Property’. HINT: Name as many as you can; there are 2 here!
A crime where there is NOT one intended victim!
- Fraud from your employer / business
- Vandalism
Give an example of ‘Crimes against the State’. HINT: Name as many as you can; there are 5 here!
- Terrorism
- Trespassing on Ministry of Defence Land
- Stealing data from the council
- Tax evasion
- Espionage / spying
Give an example of ‘Religious Crimes’. HINT: Name as many as you can; there is 1 here!
These are sins!
- Blasphemy (swearing / using God’s name in vain)
Is wearing slippers to work a CRIME or just DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR?
DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR!
Is using racist language in a shop a CRIME or just DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR?
CRIME!
What are the 3 main categories of crime?
Crimes against:
- A PERSON
- PROPERTY
- THE STATE
What is the Effect of Crime on Society? HINT: Name as many reasons as you can; there are 3 positives and 4 negatives here!
+ More funding for security forces, due to the high crime rate
+ Creates unity between victims of crime; a sense of community and value consensus –> For example: The sense of community after 9/11 and other state crimes
+ The Criminal Justice System creates jobs and employment (such as police and lawyers)
- Less social cohesion
- Disruption
- Creation of fear
- People blame the authorities - Leads to division / polarisation; adds political pressure
What is the Effect of Crime on the Individual (the VICTIM)? HINT: Name as many as you can; there are 2 positives and there are 4 negatives here!
+ Victims of domestic violence may be able to receive support
+ A sense of community may be created between victims and others who can relate
- Victims feel betrayed by society; they may start to withdraw from society
- Pain is created = Emotional, financial and psychological; suffering, harm, loss of money and inconvenience
- Individuals may feel vulnerable
- Individuals may feel excluded from society
What is the Effect of Crime on the Individual (the PERPETRATOR)? HINT: Name as many as you can; there is 1 positive here and 3 negatives here!
+ Reformation in prison = They may be able to change their behaviour and become well-integrated into society; their principles and behaviour may change
- They are treated like a deviant by society; this causes polarisation
- Individuals may lose (or maybe even gain) status in society
- Loss of freedom (community service, prison, death penalty etc)
Why may people may commit crimes? HINT: Name as many as you can; there are 20 reasons here!
- Money = Utilitarian crime
- To gain status
- Coercion / Force
- Mental Illness
- Love
- Guilt
- Addiction and external forces = The Media
- Food = For resources / because of poverty
- Religious belief
- Neglect and childhood trauma
- Boredom
- No reason not to
- Attention
- Lack of socialisation
- Frustration and rebellion
- Retribution = Revenge
- Idol Influence = Copycat crimes
- Unemployment
- To further a cause = Climate change
- Hate crime = Race, sexuality, disability etc
