Introduction

Question 1

Define Deviance

Answer 1

Downes and Rock define deviance as banned or controlled behaviour which is likely to attract punishment or disapproval eg breaking social norms

Question 2

Define Crime

Answer 2

Crime is breaking the law

Question 3

Define Social Control

Answer 3

Refers to the various methods that cause individuals to conform to societies mainstream norms and values. One way social control operates is by means of sanctions for not conforming or rewards for conforming

Question 4

Define formal social control

Answer 4

This is carried out by agencies specifically to set up to ensure people conform to social norms eg the law, police, prisons

Question 5

Define informal social control

Answer 5

This is carried out by institutions whos primary purpose is not just to control individuals, such as family, education, workplace

Question 6

Social construction of deviance

Answer 6

Deviance is socially constructed. This is shown by how it varies in context, culturally and historically. For example, some crimes are not considered deviant as most people do them such as underage drinking. Deviance has also varied in time eg smoking in public places was common but it is not illegal and also varies in place and context.

Plummer suggests that there are two aspects of deviance, societal deviance (acts that most members of society view as deviant eg murder) and situational deviance (acts that are only deviant in particular situations).

Question 7

Social construction of crime

Answer 7

Newburn suggests that crime comprises of those actions which are deemed so damaging to the interests of the community that the state determines that it must take a direct role in identifying and acting against the criminal. Some but not all crimes are considered deviant and what is considered criminal varies historically and culturally, indicating it is socially constructed.

Question 8

Non sociological theories of crime and deviance - physiological and psychological theories - FOR EVALUATION

Answer 8

Lombroso argued that criminals were similar to earlier more primitive forms of human beings. Others believe that chromosomal abnormalities cause criminalities with an extra Y chromosome in males being more common in the prison population due to higher levels of testosterone.

Psychologists see deviant behaviour as a result of abnormal mental processes - eg Bowlby believed that affectionless psychopathy to have been caused by maternal deprivation whereas Eysenck believed individuals with extroverted personality were more likely to be criminal.