Introduction to Crime

Question 1

What are the 3 types of norms that sociologists identify in society and what do they mean?

Answer 1

1. Folkways- everyday norms, do not generate much protest when broken
2. Mores- moral norms, generate much more outrage if broken
3. Laws- strongest type of norm, formal sanctions if broken.

Question 2

What is deviance?

Answer 2

Any behaviour that goes against the norms of contemporary society. Behaviour that is not considered normal

Question 3

What is crime?

Answer 3

Has many definitions, sociologists focus on laws when discussing crime. More serious than deviance as criminal behaviour leads to formal sanctions

Question 4

What is social control?

Answer 4

The process of socially regulating people’s behaviour and actions to ensure conformity. Actions outside of these socially accepted behaviours are seen as deviant.

Question 5

What are the two types of social control and what do they mean?

Answer 5

1. Informal: Unwritten rules that control social behaviour that are enforced through agents of socialisation
2. Formal: Describes specific laws, people are punished by legal guidelines through the criminal justice system.

Question 6

What are the two types of crime and what do they mean?

Answer 6

1. Utilitarian: Crimes that are commited for material gain
2. Non-Utilitarian: Crimes that do not provide a financial benefit for the criminal.