Deviance and control theories Flashcards
What are the four definitions of deviance identified by Clinard and Meier (2001)?
Statistical, absolutist, reactivist, normative
What is the statistical definition of crime?
Deviance is behaviour very different from the average - what most people do is normal and the minority do is deviant.
Ev- fails to take into account actual meaning of deviance
What is the absolutist definition of crime?
Focuses on values - deviance occurs when people move away from established guidelines
Ev - fails to account for variations in values, ignores power relations in society
What is the reactivist definition of crime?
Deviance is simply a label applied to some acts and the people responsible for them - it is not about the act but how others judge it (Becker - labelling theory)
Ev - does not explain why certain acts are seen as deviant
What is the normative definition of crime?
Deviance is behaviour that contradicts social norms, causing social disapproval and may provoke negative sanctions
Ev - reflects modern society more than absolutist definitions, considers how deviance changes over time
Does not explain why some norms are more serious, does not locate origin of norms in power relations
Which three factors identified by Hagan (1994) affect the perception of crime and deviance?
Social agreement - extent to which the public believe a law or norm benefits society. If not agreed, likely to be a weak law/norm
Social response - seriousness of deviance can be determined by the strength of the sanction it provokes
Social harm - the level of harm the crime causes - some may be ‘victimless’
In which ways is deviance relative?
Historically - ideas about accepted behaviour change over time
Between societies - different societies possess different norms and thus different definitions of deviance
Between different forums within a society - subcultures may develop their own norms and values and define deviance differently as a result
Give an example of norms changing over time
Troyler and Markle (1983) - smoking was condemned at end of 19th century, became acceptable and even desirable after WW1, then attitudes changed in 1960s which was furthered by laws being instituted in the 1990s and onwards banning smoking in public places
What are some non-sociological explanations of deviance?
Psychological - tends to see deviance as a form of illness which can be treated
Biological - focuses on genetic factors
In contrast to sociology - which blames the learning of deviant rolles and behaviour through the values and norms of particular groups in particular societies
