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CRIME AND DEVIANCE: AN INTRODUCTION

The Role of Social Control

Core Concepts in Sociology

Crime and deviance are important concepts in sociology that relate to behaviours considered unacceptable or unlawful within societies. Social control refers to the mechanisms and processes societies use to regulate behaviour, enforcing norms and laws to maintain order.

Key Definitions

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Crime

Behaviour that breaks the formal laws of a society. Punishable by legal penalties.
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Deviance

Violates social norms, customs, or expectations. May not attract legal punishment.
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Social Control

Mechanisms and processes societies use to regulate behaviour.
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Laws

Written rules created and enforced by governments and official institutions.

Crime vs Deviance Scope

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All Crime is DeviantAll crime is deviant (because it violates legal norms).
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Not All Deviance is CriminalNot all deviance is criminal. For example, being rude or dressing eccentrically may be deviant but not a crime.

The Relativity Principle

Crime and deviance are not fixed concepts. What counts as criminal or deviant varies greatly depending on:

1

Societies and Cultures

An act viewed as criminal in one country may be legal or even encouraged in another (e.g., alcohol consumption).
2

Changes Over Time

Behaviours that were once criminal or deviant may become accepted (e.g., homosexuality) or vice versa (e.g., drink-driving laws).
3

Variation Within Groups

Different social groups may have conflicting views on what behaviour is deviant (e.g., peer groups vs. older generations).

Situational Relativity

Talking Loudly (Concert) = Acceptable
Talking Loudly (Library) = Deviant
Behaviour considered deviant can depend on the situation. Talking loudly at a concert is acceptable, but doing so in a library would be seen as deviant.

Formal Social Control Agencies

Agency Description Key Role
The Police Enforce laws by patrolling, investigating crimes, making arrests.
Courts Hold trials to determine guilt or innocence of suspects.
Armed Forces Defend country; may assist with civil disturbances.
Government Legislators create laws that define crime and the penalties.
Penal System Punish offenders by removing their freedom and aim to rehabilitate them.

Methods of Formal Control

Formal agencies use official rules and laws to deter people from breaking laws and to punish those who do:

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Deterrence

Harsh punishments such as imprisonment discourage others from committing crimes.
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Incapacitation

Removing criminals from society through imprisonment prevents them from offending further.
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Rehabilitation

Programs in prisons aim to change offenders’ behaviour so they can reintegrate into society.

Informal Social Control Agencies

Informal social control is based on unwritten rules and everyday social interactions, influencing people to conform voluntarily.

Agent Role/Focus Mechanism Sanction Type
Family First agent teaching acceptable behaviour. Socialisation Praise/Reprimands
Education Teach rules, norms, and codes of conduct. Discipline Prizes/Detentions
Peer Group Influence behaviour through acceptance. Peer Pressure Acceptance/Rejection
Media Shapes public opinion on norms. Scrutiny Shaming/Approval
Religion Provides moral codes and guidelines. Moral Sanctions Salvation/Guilt

Internalizing Norms

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How do informal groups prevent deviance, beyond just shaming?
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They motivate conformity by creating belonging! Individuals are driven to conform to avoid isolation, and internalise norms, leading to feelings of guilt or shame if they break them.

Summary of Social Control

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The Combined System: Social control is essential to maintaining social order. Formal control relies on laws and institutions. Informal control operates through socialisation and interpersonal relationships. Both forms work together to regulate behaviour and reduce crime and deviance.

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Crime and Deviance: An Introduction
Term
What is crime?

Behaviour that breaks formal laws and is punishable by legal penalties.

Answer
Definition

Behaviour that breaks formal laws and is punishable by legal penalties.

Term
What is deviance?

Behaviour that violates social norms but is not necessarily illegal.

Answer
Definition

Behaviour that violates social norms but is not necessarily illegal.

Term
Are all deviant behaviours criminal?

No, not all deviance is criminal, but all crime is deviant.

Answer
Clarification

No, not all deviance is criminal, but all crime is deviant.

Term
What does the term 'social control' mean?

Mechanisms and processes used to regulate behaviour and enforce norms and laws.

Answer
Definition

Mechanisms and processes used to regulate behaviour and enforce norms and laws.

Term
Name two examples of formal agencies of social control.

Police and courts.

Answer
Examples

Police and courts.

Term
What role do families play in social control?

They teach acceptable behaviour through socialisation and use informal sanctions.

Answer
Role

They teach acceptable behaviour through socialisation and use informal sanctions.

Term
How does formal social control maintain order?

Through laws, punishments, and enforcement by authorised agencies.

Answer
Mechanism

Through laws, punishments, and enforcement by authorised agencies.

Term
Give an example of informal social control.

Peer pressure or social approval and disapproval.

Answer
Example

Peer pressure or social approval and disapproval.

Term
What is deterrence in formal social control?

Punishments designed to discourage criminal behaviour.

Answer
Definition

Punishments designed to discourage criminal behaviour.

Term
How does social deviance vary?

By society, culture, historical period, situation, and group perspective.

Answer
Variation

By society, culture, historical period, situation, and group perspective.

Term
What is internal control in informal social control?

When individuals feel guilt or shame for breaking norms.

Answer
Definition

When individuals feel guilt or shame for breaking norms.

Term
How has the perception of homosexuality changed over time?

Once considered deviant and criminal in many places, now widely accepted legally and socially.

Answer
Change Over Time

Once considered deviant and criminal in many places, now widely accepted legally and socially.

Term
What is the difference between formal and informal social control?

Formal control is official law enforcement; informal control is based on unwritten social norms.

Answer
Difference

Formal control is official law enforcement; informal control is based on unwritten social norms.

Term
How can media act as an informal agency of social control?

By shaping public opinion and promoting or condemning behaviours.

Answer
Role

By shaping public opinion and promoting or condemning behaviours.

Term
'Situational relativity' of deviance means?

Behaviour deemed deviant depends on the specific context or situation.

Answer
Definition

Behaviour deemed deviant depends on the specific context or situation.

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🌸 Crime and Deviance Quiz

1. Which of the following best defines crime?

Crime involves violation of legal rules established by society.

2. True or False: All deviant behaviour is considered criminal.

Deviance includes behaviours violating social norms but not all break laws.

3. Which of the following is NOT an example of a formal agency of social control?

Family is an informal agency of social control, not formal.

4. How do informal social controls influence behaviour?

Informal control relies on unwritten norms and social interactions.

5. What is an example of situational relativity in deviance?

The same behaviour can be deviant in one situation and acceptable in another.

6. Which method is NOT used by formal agencies to control crime?

Social shaming is informal social control, not formal.

7. Why is crime considered relative across different societies?

Different societies have different laws and norms, making crime relative.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Sociology
  • O Level
  • Crime and Deviance
  • CAIE