Defining crime and deviance

• What is the nature of the topic of crime and deviance?

  It is sensitive and may be upsetting.
• What are the learning objectives regarding crime and deviance?

  • Understand definitions of crime and deviance
  • Recognize the relative nature of these concepts
  • Understand crime and deviance as social constructs
  • Apply definitions to social behavior
• How is crime defined?

  Crime is an act that breaks the law.
• How is deviance defined?

  Deviance is behavior against societal norms.
• Why is a prostitute considered deviant?

  They behave in ways society finds unacceptable.
• How do Downes and Rock (1998) define deviance?

  As banned behavior likely to attract punishment.
• What distinguishes crime from deviance?

  Crime breaks laws; deviance breaks norms.
• What is an example of common crime that is not considered deviant?

  Exceeding the speed limit by 5 mph.
• What are the forms of deviance in society?

  • Secret and private deviance
  • Open and public deviance
  • Individual deviance
  • Collective deviance
• How does 'partygate' illustrate deviance?

  It shows varied responses to social norms.
• How are crime and deviance relative?

  They change with time, place, and culture.
• Who distinguishes between societal and situational deviance?

  Ken Plummer.
• What is societal deviance?

  Behavior that violates societal norms.
• What is situational deviance?

  Behavior that is deviant in specific contexts.
• How does culture affect crime and deviance?

  Different cultures have different norms and values.
• What was once considered deviant for women?

  Being educated or consuming alcohol.
• What is a social construct?

  A concept accepted by a society or group.
• Why are crime and deviance considered social constructs?

  They gain meaning from societal acceptance.
• What did the Suicide Act (1961) change?

  It abolished the criminal offense of suicide.
• What did the Seat Belt Act (1983) establish?

  It made not wearing seat belts illegal.
• What are mechanisms of social control?

  • Methods to ensure conformity to norms
  • Discourage deviant and criminal behavior
  • Necessary for social order
• What are formal and informal methods of social control?

  • Formal: Laws, regulations, and official sanctions
  • Informal: Social norms, peer pressure, and community expectations