defining crime

Question 1

What is deviance?

Answer 1

Behaviour which is disapproved of by most people in a society or group, behaviour which does not conform to shared norms and values

Deviance can vary significantly across different cultures and communities.

Question 2

What is culpable deviance?

Answer 2

The perpetrator knows they are committing a deviant act

Culpable deviance involves awareness and intention in committing acts considered deviant.

Question 3

What is non-culpable deviance?

Answer 3

Deviant acts for which the perpetrator cannot be held accountable e.g. children, mentally ill

Non-culpable deviance refers to situations where individuals lack the capacity to understand or control their actions.

Question 4

Define crime.

Answer 4

Actions or omissions which constitute an offence and are punishable by law

Crime is a legal wrong that can lead to criminal proceedings and punishment.

Question 5

What type of crimes are considered consensus crimes?

Answer 5

Crimes about whose seriousness there is general agreement, e.g. murder, theft

Consensus crimes are widely recognized as serious offenses across society.

Question 6

What type of crimes are considered conflict crimes?

Answer 6

Crimes over which ‘public opinion’ is divided, e.g. public demonstrations, drug offences, illegal abortion

Conflict crimes are often subject to varying interpretations and opinions, reflecting societal debates.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: Culpable deviance involves the perpetrator’s __________ in committing a deviant act.

Answer 7

awareness

This highlights the distinction between knowing and unknowing deviant behavior.

Question 8

True or False: Non-culpable deviance includes acts committed by individuals who are fully aware of their actions.

Answer 8

False

Non-culpable deviance refers to actions taken by those who cannot be held accountable.

Question 9

What is meant by ABSOLUTE in the context of societal concepts?

Answer 9

The same across all societies and at all times

This refers to concepts or values considered universally valid without variation.

Question 10

What does RELATIVE signify in societal concepts?

Answer 10

Can change over time or place

This indicates that concepts or values may vary depending on cultural, temporal, or situational contexts.

Question 11

What is social order?

Answer 11

General conformity to the shared norms and values, so that society is peaceful and predictable

Social order is essential for maintaining stability within a society.

Question 12

What is social control?

Answer 12

The process by which people are persuaded to obey

Social control is crucial for ensuring compliance with societal norms.

Question 13

What are the two types of social control?

Answer 13

• Formal social control
• Informal social control

Each type has different mechanisms and agents involved.

Question 14

Define formal social control.

Answer 14

Written forms of social control – in terms of crime, carried out by the government, armed forces, and the criminal justice system including the police and courts

Formal social control is essential for enforcing laws and regulations.

Question 15

Define informal social control.

Answer 15

Unwritten forms of social control – parents, peers, education

Informal social control relies on social norms rather than legal enforcement.

Question 16

What is social construction?

Answer 16

Created and defined by society – therefore dependent on the society and so relative

Social construction highlights how societal norms and values can vary across different cultures.