The definitions of crime and deviance

Crime and deviance are fundamental concepts in sociology that describe behaviours outside societal norms, though they differ in their scope and consequences.

Distinguishing between crime and deviance

• Crime - Refers to actions that violate established laws and are subject to punishment through the legal system.
• Deviance - Encompasses behaviours that contradict the accepted norms, values, or expectations of a social group or society.

While most criminal acts are considered deviant due to their breach of societal norms, not all deviant behaviours are criminal. For instance, picking your nose in public or barking like a dog during a job interview is deviant but not against the law.

The social construction of crime and deviance

Crime and deviance are not fixed or universal concepts; they are shaped by cultural, historical, and social contexts.

Factors influencing the perception of crime and deviance

• Cultural variations - Different societies have unique norms and values, meaning what's seen as deviant varies across cultures.
• Historical changes - Over time, societal attitudes shift, altering definitions of deviance. For example, in the UK, wearing trousers was once seen as inappropriate for women, but it is now widely accepted.
• Relativity of norms - The acceptability of behaviours depends on evolving social expectations, showing that deviance is not an inherent quality of an act but a product of societal judgement.

The concepts of situational and societal deviance

Deviance can be categorised based on context and societal perception.

Types of deviance based on context

• Situational deviance - Refers to behaviours that are considered deviant or acceptable depending on the specific circumstances. For instance:
  • Being naked is fine at home but inappropriate on the high street.
  • Wearing chainmail and carrying a sword is acceptable at a fancy dress party but deviant at work.
• Societal deviance - Involves acts that are viewed as unacceptable by the majority of society in almost all contexts. Examples include:
  • Swearing at an authority figure, which is widely recognised as disrespectful.
  • Kicking a dog, an act that shocks most people regardless of the situation.

Influence of subcultures

Subcultures often have values and expectations that differ from mainstream society. A behaviour seen as deviant by the wider community may be a form of conformity within a specific subculture.

The role of social order and social control in shaping behaviour

Social order and control mechanisms are crucial in maintaining a consensus on acceptable behaviour within society.

Mechanisms of social order and control

• Socialisation into norms - Individuals learn societal expectations through socialisation. Some of these norms become second nature, such as not standing too close to someone during conversations.
• Conscious adherence to rules - Some norms are followed with deliberate awareness, like stopping at a red traffic light, as they are recognised as explicit societal rules.
• Sanctions as reinforcement - Sanctions are tools used to encourage conformity or discourage deviance through rewards and punishments.

Types of sanctions for reinforcing norms

These mechanisms and sanctions work together to create a shared understanding of expected behaviour, ensuring that most actions in society align with established norms rather than deviating into crime or deviance.