Crime & Deviance Flashcards
Define ‘social order’.
General conformity to the shared norms and values, so society is peaceful and predictable.
Define ‘social control’.
The process where people are persuaded to obey the rules and conform. Agencies of social control are institutes which work to ensure conformity.
What is ‘formal social control’?
Carried out by the government, armed forces and Criminal Justice System, including the police, the courts and the prison service.
What is ‘informal social control’?
Carried out by agents such as education system, family, peer groups, media and religion. We are less aware of informal social control, but it is arguably more important/effective.
What is ‘criminal’ behaviour?
A legal wrong that can be followed by criminal proceedings, which may result in punishment.
What is ‘deviant’ behaviour?
Behaviour which is disapproved of by most people in society or a group, which doesn’t conform to shared norms and values.
What are some examples of deviance?
Smoking, swearing, bullying
What are some examples of criminal behaviour?
Drinking underage, robbery, taking drugs
What two phrases can describe crime and deviance?
‘Socially constructed’ and ‘relative’.
Give some examples which show that crime and deviance is socially constructed.
-Can take certain drugs in some states in America
-Being gay is illegal some countries
-Can drink alcohol in the UK but cannot in Pakistan
What does it mean to say that Crime and Deviance is relative?
They vary according to time, society and circumstance.
Give three examples to how crime and deviance is relative in terms of the time the crime takes place.
-You could smoke at 16 but now you cannot (18).
-Discrimination was not against the law before 2010 Equality Act.
-Homosexual relationships was legalised over time.
Give three examples to how crime and deviance can vary depending on the society you are in.
-Child marriage is legal in Bangladesh, but not in the UK.
-Abortion laws vary globally.
-Can consume cannabis in Cananda.
Give three examples to how crime and deviance can vary depending on the circumstance of the crime committed.
-If someone has a mental illness and commits a crime, they may not be punishable.
-Illegal to end own life but can have assisted death.
-Varying age of criminal responsibility. In England it is 10, in Scotland it is 12.
What is the feminist view on social order?
It is a way of keeping a patriarchal society.
