Exam II Flashcards
(31 cards)
Deviance:
Deviance is behaviour that some people in society find offensive and which generates disapproval, punishment, condemnation or hostility. This behaviour is outside the social norms/ rules of a group or society. What is viewed as deviant involves moral judgement and varies across cultures and time.
Values:
Ideas held by individuals or groups about what is desireable, proper, good, and bad.
Norms
Rules of conduct that specify appropriate behaviour in a given range of social situations. A norm either prescribes or forbids a type of behaviour.
Why are norms and values important?
Norms and values make it easy for people to identify behaviour that is acceptable and unacceptable within their society.
Durkheim’s functionalist theory of deviance:
Durkheim’s theory of deviance is that deviance is a normal part of society, because it contributes to the social order of society.
Deviance = good
Specific functions that deviance fulfils:
- Affirmation of cultural norms and values
- Clarification of society’s moral boundaries
- Unification of others in society
- Encouraging social change
Affirmation of cultural norms and values:
Deviance helps to establish what is ‘normal’ behaviours within society, as well as learning between what society view as right and wrong. An example is reacting to student cheating on a test, which is considered deviant, makes student view cheating as wrong.
Clarification of society’s moral boundaries:
Deviance can be a tool for moral boundaries. It can educate the public, on what is considered devian, by the use of media. The media reports on a deviant act, which furthermore restates society’s rules.
Unification of others in society:
Deviant behaviour can cause unification of others in soldiery. Example of this, includes, a mass murder, which unites majority of a population against the terrorist. This is done by sharing loss, having the “common enemy”, laying wreaths, memorials, and the government inquiring the incident, all brought on by a deviant act.
Encouraging social change:
Deviance in e yes of Durkheim, can encourage the dominant society to consider alternative norms and values. An example includes where Feminists protests, were seen as deviant, however today, women are allowed to vote, defiance therefore changed the norms.
Strengths and limitations of Durkheim’s theory:
The theory suggests that all forms of deviancy are beneficial to society. However this does not take into account the individual, but rather focuses on the general society. It undermines the consequences deviancy can have on victims.
Hirschi’s theory and factors:
Hirschi believed that individuals acted on behaviour, for their individual benefit. He identified how four types of social bonds- attachment, commitment, involvement and belief, can cause the likelihood of conforming or deviating. He viewed the stronger these bonds with the individual are, the less likely the individual would ant to compromise them.
Attachment:
People who have a strong attachment to others ie) family, friends, etc, are less likely to be deviant. People who have weak relationships feel less need to conform to norms and values, and then are more likely to be deviant.
Commitment:
People who have a sincere commitment to genuine goals are more likely to conform to societal norms. When people have little confidence in the future, they are more likely to engage in deviant behaviour, due to low faith or no ‘plans’ for future.
Involvement:
The more involved people are with activities, ie) job, family, memberships, the less likely they will be deviant because they have “more to lose”.
Belief:
People who agree with societies dominant values ie) respect for others, etc, are less likely to be deviant because they value honesty and respect. However if an individuals beliefs differ from society’s, they are more likely to be deviant.
Limitations with Hirschi’s theory:
The theory does not take into account peers on deviancy. The theory, therefore, doesn’t consider how peer pressure can be a factor as to why people deviate. The theory also did not address all types of crime, such as white-collar crime.
What is crime?
A crime is any act that violates written criminal law, which are enacted by local, state/territory, or federal governments and enforced through sanctions.
The types of crime:
- Crimes against the person
- Crimes against property
- Victimless crime
- White- collar crime
- Corporate crime
Crimes against the person:
Acts that are against other persons that include threatening, harassing, or injuring another person or depriving them of their freedoms. Examples include murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, sexual assault, physical assault.
Crimes against property:
Acts that are intended to damage or destroy homes, businesses, or land, or involve household burglary or vehicle theft.
Victimless crime:
Acts that involve a crime whereby all individuals consent to the criminal activity and nobody is harmed in the process. Example : prostitution,
White- collar crime:
Non-violent economic crimes including fraud and embezzlement that were originally perpetrated by office workers and professionals in the middle class against businesses. However it can be against government. Example where scamming centrelink.
Corporate crime:
Crimes that are committed by large corporation are classified as corporate crime. Six types of violations linked to large corporations: Admin Enviro Financial Labour Manufacturing Unfair trade practices
