Deviance and Crime

[Buela_Vigneswaran]

Deviance and Crime

Deviance and Crime focus on behaviors that violate social norms and laws, examining why individuals engage in such actions, how society responds, and the consequences of these behaviors. Key Concepts:

1. Deviance:
   • Refers to actions or behaviors that violate societal norms, whether formal (laws) or informal (customs).
   • Deviance is socially constructed, as what is considered deviant varies across cultures and contexts.
   • Example: Tattoos might be deviant in some cultures but normal in others.
2. Crime:
   • A specific form of deviance that violates laws and is punishable by legal authorities.
   • Example: Theft, assault, or fraud.

Types of Deviance:

1. Primary Deviance: Minor norm violations that do not affect a person’s self-identity (e.g., skipping school).
2. Secondary Deviance: Repeated norm violations that lead to a deviant identity (e.g., being labeled a criminal).

Theories of Deviance and Crime:

1. Strain Theory (Robert Merton):
   • Deviance arises when people cannot achieve socially approved goals through legitimate means.
   • Example: Turning to theft due to lack of financial opportunities.
2. Labeling Theory:
   • Deviance results from societal labeling. Once labeled as "deviant," individuals may embrace this identity.
   • Example: A person labeled as a delinquent may continue committing crimes.
3. Differential Association Theory:
   • Deviant behavior is learned through interactions with others who hold deviant values.
   • Example: Joining a gang and adopting criminal behavior.
4. Control Theory:
   • Strong social bonds (e.g., family, community) deter deviant behavior, while weak bonds increase the likelihood of deviance.
5. Conflict Theory:
   • Crime and deviance stem from power struggles and inequality. Laws often serve the interests of the powerful.
   • Example: White-collar crimes may be treated more leniently than street crimes.

Types of Crime:

1. Violent Crime: Homicide, assault, rape.
2. Property Crime: Theft, burglary, vandalism.
3. White-Collar Crime: Fraud, embezzlement, insider trading.
4. Organized Crime: Activities by criminal groups, like drug trafficking.
5. Cybercrime: Hacking, identity theft, online fraud.

Social Responses to Deviance and Crime:

1. Punishment: Fines, imprisonment, or community service.
2. Rehabilitation: Efforts to reform offenders (e.g., counseling, education programs).
3. Prevention: Policies and programs aimed at reducing deviance and crime.

Importance of Studying Deviance and Crime: Understanding deviance and crime helps identify the root causes of such behaviors, improve social policies, and create fairer systems for justice and rehabilitation. It also sheds light on how societies define and enforce norms.