Crime & Deviance - how are crime and deviance defined and measured? Flashcards
What is the definition of crime?
Crime is defined as an act that violates the laws established by a governing authority.
What is deviance?
Deviance refers to behavior that violates social norms or expectations.
True or False: All criminal acts are considered deviant.
True.
True or False: All deviant acts are considered criminal.
False.
What is the role of the legal system in defining crime?
The legal system establishes laws that define what constitutes a crime.
Fill in the blank: Deviance can vary based on __________.
cultural and social contexts.
What is the difference between formal and informal deviance?
Formal deviance violates laws, while informal deviance violates social norms.
What are the main methods used to measure crime rates?
Crime rates are typically measured through official statistics, self-report surveys, and victimization surveys.
What is the Uniform Crime Report (UCR)?
The UCR is a collection of crime data compiled by the FBI from law enforcement agencies across the United States.
What type of crime does the UCR primarily focus on?
The UCR primarily focuses on violent and property crimes.
What is a self-report survey?
A self-report survey is a research method where individuals report their own criminal behaviors.
What is the purpose of the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)?
The NCVS aims to provide a more comprehensive picture of crime by including unreported incidents.
Fill in the blank: The concept of __________ refers to the likelihood of being a victim of crime.
victimization.
What is the social construction of crime?
The social construction of crime refers to how societal norms and values shape the definition of crime.
What is the significance of labeling theory in deviance?
Labeling theory suggests that being labeled as deviant can lead to further deviant behavior.
True or False: Crime rates have remained constant over the past decades.
False.
What is meant by ‘white-collar crime’?
White-collar crime refers to non-violent crimes committed for financial gain within a business or professional context.
What is the impact of socioeconomic status on crime rates?
Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are often found to have higher crime rates.
What are some criticisms of official crime statistics?
Critics argue that official statistics may underreport crime due to factors like underreporting by victims and police discretion.
Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the social and economic conditions that contribute to crime.
Structural factors.
What is the difference between a crime and a sin?
A crime is a violation of laws, while a sin is a violation of moral or religious codes.
What is the function of social control in relation to crime?
Social control refers to the mechanisms that regulate individual behavior to conform to societal norms.
What is the relationship between crime and social change?
Social change can lead to shifts in what is considered deviant or criminal behavior.
True or False: The definition of crime is static and does not change over time.
False.
What is the significance of community-based crime prevention?
Community-based prevention focuses on addressing the root causes of crime through community engagement.
What role does public perception play in defining deviance?
Public perception influences what behaviors are labeled as deviant based on societal norms.
What is a moral panic?
A moral panic is a widespread fear that certain individuals or groups pose a threat to societal values.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a term used to describe the process of making certain behaviors illegal.
Criminalization.
What is the impact of media representation on crime?
Media representation can shape public perceptions and fears about crime and deviance.
What is primary deviance?
Primary deviance refers to initial acts of rule-breaking that do not result in the individual being labeled as deviant.
What is secondary deviance?
Secondary deviance occurs when an individual internalizes a deviant label and continues to engage in deviant behavior.
What is the concept of ‘social disorganization’?
Social disorganization refers to a breakdown of social structures leading to increased crime rates.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
Felonies are serious crimes typically punishable by imprisonment for over a year, while misdemeanors are less severe offenses.
Fill in the blank: __________ theories explain crime as a result of societal structures and inequalities.
Structural.
What is the role of the victim in the study of crime?
Victims play a crucial role in understanding the impact of crime and the effectiveness of the justice system.
What is the significance of restorative justice?
Restorative justice emphasizes repairing harm caused by criminal behavior through reconciliation with victims.
True or False: Crime is solely an individual choice.
False.
What are crime trends?
Crime trends refer to patterns and changes in crime rates over time.
What is the concept of ‘white-collar crime’ associated with?
White-collar crime is associated with deceit and is typically committed by individuals in business or professional contexts.
What is the term for the legal definition of a crime?
Statutory definition.
What is the significance of deterrence in crime prevention?
Deterrence aims to prevent crime by instilling fear of punishment in potential offenders.
True or False: Crime can be completely eradicated from society.
False.
What is the social construction of deviance?
The social construction of deviance refers to how society defines and labels behaviors as deviant.
