Sociology- crime and deviance Flashcards
What is the definition of crime?
An action or behaviour that goes against the legislation of a particular country or state.
What Is the definition of deviance
Actions which go against the norms and values of society. These may not be against the law but are frowned upon by most in society.
What is the definition of social construction
A social phenomena which is not naturally occurring but created by the society in which it is found.
Positive functions of crime-
Boundary Maintenance and social cohesion
Durkheim explanation of it is that crime always society to reinforce what is acceptable behaviour in society as the public nature of the punishments show people what will happen for breaking the rules. Very serious crimes can also lead to society coming together to condemn the perpetrators.
Adaption and change
Durkheim explains that an increase in a certain type of a crime or deviant behaviour can be an indication that something in society is mnot functioning as it should be and a change needs to occur.
Warning signs
Clinard and Cohen explain that an increase in a certain type of crime or deviant behaviour can be an indication that something in society is not functioning as it should be and a change needs to occur.
Safety valve
Davis and Polsky explains some minor crimes and acts of deviancy can actually prevent larger more serious crimes.For example Polsky suggests that accessing pornography can prevent more serious sexual crimes.
Evaluation
Marxism- ignores the role that the powerful have in shopping what is criminal and deviant as well as the role of social inequality.
Durkheim ignores the impact that crime has on the individual victims instead focuses on the impact of society.
Doesn’t quantify how much crime is beneficial to society.
Crime doesn’t always lead to solidarity but can cause isolation of both victims and criminals.
