Defining crime and deviance

• What is the definition of deviance?

  Deviance is behavior which goes against the norms and expectations of a social group or society.
• What is the definition of crime?

  Crime is behavior which breaks laws and is punished by the legal system.
• How is crime related to deviance?

  Crime is mostly deviant, but not all deviance is criminal.
• Can you give an example of non-criminal deviant behavior?

  Examples include picking your nose in public or yelling at the referee.
• What does it mean that crime and deviance are socially constructed?

  It means that what is seen as deviant varies across cultures and changes over time.
• Who discussed the changing definitions of criminal deviance in the 1970s?

  Michel Foucault.
• How have definitions of deviance changed over time according to Foucault?


  Definitions of deviance change with time and place as values, norms, and social expectations evolve.
• What is situational deviance?


  Situational deviance refers to acts that can be defined as deviant or normal depending on the circumstances.
• Can you provide an example of situational deviance?


  Being naked in your own home is acceptable, but being naked on the high street is deviant.
• What is societal deviance?

  Societal deviance refers to acts that are seen as deviant by most of society in most situations.
• Give an example of societal deviance.

  Staring at an authority figure is considered deviant by most people.
• How do subcultures relate to deviance?

  Subcultures have different norms compared to mainstream society, which can lead to different definitions of deviance.
• What role do social norms play in society?

  Social norms create a consensus of how to behave and guide individuals in their actions.
• How are behaviors typically categorized in society?


  Most behaviors in society are neither criminal nor deviant.
• What are positive sanctions?

  Positive sanctions are rewards given to people for conforming to social norms.
• What is an example of a formal positive sanction?


  A medal for bravery in the armed forces is an example of a formal positive sanction.
• What are negative sanctions?

  Negative sanctions are punishments for deviating from a norm.
• Give an example of a formal negative sanction.


  A fine for speeding is an example of a formal negative sanction.
• What is an example of an informal positive sanction?


  Saying "well done" for good behavior is an example of an informal positive sanction.
• How might crime and deviance be socially constructed? Outline two ways.

  Crime and deviance can be socially constructed through cultural definitions and changing societal norms.
• What are the key concepts related to crime and deviance?

  • Deviance: behavior against social norms
  • Crime: behavior against laws
  • Social construction of crime and deviance
  • Situational deviance: context-dependent
  • Societal deviance: widely recognized as deviant
  • Role of social norms and sanctions
• What are the types of sanctions in society?

  • Positive sanctions: rewards for conformity
  • Formal positive sanctions: official rewards (e.g., medals)
  • Informal positive sanctions: social praise (e.g., compliments)
  • Negative sanctions: punishments for deviance
  • Formal negative sanctions: official punishments (e.g., fines)
  • Informal negative sanctions: social disapproval (e.g., telling off)