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.
