Topic 1 - defining crime and deviance

Question 1

Introduction?

Answer 1

All cultures have rules defining acceptable behavior, which can be codified as laws or simply understood through consensus. These rules vary by culture; what is acceptable in one may be unacceptable in another.

Crime occurs when laws are broken, while deviance refers to the violation of social norms. The consequences of breaking laws or being labeled as deviant can be severe. Acceptability depends on factors like the individual, context, cultural norms, and historical timing. Sociologists argue that both crime and deviance are social constructions.

Question 2

Social control def?

Answer 2

the process of socially regulating people’s actions, behavior, appearance, and even their thinking.

Question 3

This can be done in 3 ways?

Answer 3

coercion
legitimization
internalisation

Question 4

Coercion?

Answer 4

where people are forced to act a certain way through fear of punishment – i.e., sanctions

Question 5

Legitimisation?

Answer 5

people are trained to believe, through the process of socialization, that some actions are acceptable while others are less so.

Question 6

Internalisation?

Answer 6

some rules become part of an individual’s thinking, so therefore the individual may feel they can’t be broken as it is part of their identity.

Question 7

Social control can take on 2 forms?

Answer 7

formal and informal social control

Question 8

Formal social control?

Answer 8

involves specific rules, such as laws, that, when broken, lead to punishments based on established legal principles. Violating these rules can result in a court conviction, categorizing the action as criminal.

Question 9

Sanctions?
sanction = social response to behaviours

Answer 9

Formal rules involve clear rewards and punishments, such as promotions or prison sentences for criminal behavior. In contrast, informal rules offer more subtle rewards—like social invitations for good behavior—but breaking them can lead to rejection, abuse, loneliness, or victimization.

Question 9

Informal social control

Answer 9

Informal social control comprises unwritten rules—norms, morals, and values—that regulate behavior. Breaking these rules can lead to hostility, rejection, or bullying, termed deviance. Unlike crime, which is defined by law, deviance is context-dependent. Some actions may be deviant but not criminal, like wearing wedding clothes while gardening, while others can be criminal yet not considered deviant, such as minor speeding. Additionally, serious offenses like murder are both criminal and deviant.

Question 10

Hirschi and control theory?

Answer 10

Control theory, stemming from Durkheim’s ideas, is a functionalist perspective focused on social conformity. Hirschi posits that many criminal acts can benefit the perpetrator, as individuals are rational and weigh potential losses against gains. If any of the four elements of social bonds weaken, a person may perceive greater benefits from crime, leading to increased criminal behavior.

Question 11

Social bonds?

Answer 11

Control theory outlines four elements that promote social conformity:

Attachments: Connections to people with conventional attitudes and behaviors.
Commitment: Valuing conventional activities, leading to status through time and effort invested.
Involvement: Being actively engaged in conventional activities, leaving little time for deviant thoughts or actions.
Belief: Holding strong moral beliefs in the importance of obeying social rules.