crime and deviance key terms

• agencies of social control


  the groups in society which control and regulate our behaviour
• anomie


  a sense of normlessness where people feel like there are no strict rules.
• chivalry thesis


  the criminal justice system are less harsh on women as they're less likely to be seen as 'bad'.
• corporate crime 


  crime committed by businesses with the aim of making profit for that business.
• crime


  an illegal act which is punishable by law.
• criminal justice system


  the system of police/courts/prisons to manage offenders and reduce re-offending.
• dark figure of crime


  all crimes that are not witnessed, reported or recorded by police.
• deviance


  an act which goes against the norms in society, but not illegal.
• deviancy amplification


  when the media can exaggerate the significance of a crime or deviancy in society.
• formal social control


  where behaviour is controlled by official agencies associated with the gov.
• informal social control


  when our behaviour is controlled by social pressure/agencies like family
• institutional racism


  when an organisation like police show racism and discriminate overtly or covertly.
• relative deprivation


  where an individual feels as though they lack things someone similar to them has.
• sanctions


  the consequences of behaviour which are giving by society.
• self report studies


  where individuals report a crime they have committed themselves in a survey.
• status frustration 


  when WC males are disappointed with their status in society and cannot do well due to education.
• strain theory


  where individuals do not have the legitimate means to achieve the goals of society.
• subculture


  a group of individuals whose norms and values are different from the majority of society.
• victim survery


  when individuals complete a questionnaire to report crimes that they have been victims of
• white collar crime


  crime committed by middle class professionals