CHAPTER 7 Deviance, Crime, and the Criminal Justice System

WHAT IS DEVIANCE?

Deviance Behavior that violates expected rules or norms. Usually has a negative connotation in everyday society

Characteristics of Deviance Can be a trait, belief, or behavior (obesity) Accompanied by social stigma—a negative label that devalues a person and changes her or his self-concept and social identity Varies across and within societies (Being an unwed mother is more acceptable in some societies than others.)

Characteristics of Deviance Varies across situations (What is deviant in church may not be at a ballgame.) Can be formal or informal—against the law or merely inappropriate Perceptions change over time—What was deviant in the past is no longer, while other actions are now considered deviant.

Discussion What are some examples of behaviors or conditions that were considered deviant in the past but no longer are? What are some examples of behaviors or conditions that were not considered deviant in the past but are now?

WHAT IS CRIME?

Crime Crime is a violation of societal norms and rules written into public laws that is subject to punishment.

Sources of Crime Statistics Official Data—Uniform Crime Reports – Includes crimes reported to the police and arrests – Does not include federal offenses or unreported crimes Victim Surveys—National Crime Victimization Surveys – Based on interviewing people about their experiences – Does include some unreported crimes

Prevalence of Crime All crime statistics are estimates. There are more arrests for property crimes and drug abuse violations than for violent crimes. Eighty-eight % of crimes are property crimes. Victimless crimes are least likely to be reported—illicit drug use, prostitution, drunkenness, illegal gambling

Victims and Offenders Most crime victims are men, African American, people under age 25, and poor. Offenders are likely to be aged 18-24, male, white, and live in poor, inner-city areas.

CONTROLLING DEVIANCE AND CRIME

Controlling Deviance and Crime Social control—techniques and strategies that regulate behavior Social control can be informal or formal. It includes positive (rewards) and negative (punishments) sanctions.

Application Is the sanction formal or informal, negative or positive? A suspension from school Serving time in jail A smile Employee of the month designation

FUNCTIONALIST PERSPECTIVES ON DEVIANCE AND CRIME

Functional Perspectives Deviance and crime are normal parts of the social structure. Crime and deviance can be both functional and dysfunctional.

Dysfunctions of Crime and Deviance Create tension and insecurity Erode trust in relationships Damage confidence in institutions Cost society

Functions of Crime and Deviance Affirm cultural norms and values Provide temporary safety valves Create social unity Improve the economy Trigger social change

Anomie Anomie—the condition in which people are unsure of how to behave because of absent, conflicting, or confusing social norms

Merton’s Concept of Social Strain American society has culturally approved goals (become wealthy) and institutionalized means (work hard and invest wisely). Strain theory suggests that people engage in deviance when there is a strain or conflict between goals and means.

Modes of Adaptation to Strain Conformity (not deviant)—accept goals and means Work harder; keep trying Innovation—accept goals but reject means Cheat in order to pass an exam Ritualism—reject goals but accept means Continuing to go to class after giving up on career goals

Modes of Adaptation to Strain Retreatism—reject goals and means Becoming an alcoholic Rebellion—replace goals and means Paramilitary groups that oppose the government

Merton’s Strain Theory

Application What form of adaptation is it? A young woman uses someone else’s credit card to go on vacation. An adult walks off his job and leaves town without his family. A man uses his employer’s equipment and supplies when starting his own business.

CONFLICT PERSPECTIVES ON DEVIANCE AND CRIME

Conflict Perspectives Conflict theorists focus on why some acts are defined as deviant while others are not. Powerful groups control the law and its application. Behaviors that injure the economic interests or challenge the political power of the dominant class are punished.

Types of Crime White collar crime—illegal activities committed by high-status people in the course of their occupation Occupational crime—illegal activities committed by individuals in the course of their work in their own personal interest Using a company credit card to make personal purchases

Types of Crime Corporate crimes—illegal acts committed by executives to benefit themselves and their companies Price-fixing; failure to act on safety hazards Cybercrime—illegal activities conducted online Stealing credit card numbers Organized crime—activities of individuals and groups that supply illegal goods and services for profit Laundering money

Application What kind of crime is it? Amanda overcharges customers and keeps the extra money. Ken obtains and uses others’ credit card numbers. A manufacturing firm knowingly installs dangerous equipment in order to save money.

FEMINIST PERSPECTIVES ON DEVIANCE AND CRIME

Females as Victims Women and girls are commonly the victims of sexual assault, rape, intimate partner violence, and other crimes that degrade women. Explanations for women’s victimization: Men have historically dominated the government, judiciary, and the law. Women have been socialized to be weaker.

Females as Offenders Men are still more likely to be offenders but female arrest rates are rising. Female arrest rates have risen for robbery, burglary, buying and receiving stolen property, and drunk driving. Explanations vary from mistreatment in childhood to limited economic opportunities.

SYMBOLIC INTERACTION PERSPECTIVES ON DEVIANCE AND CRIME

Differential Associations Theory Differential associations theory suggests that people learn deviance through interaction. People are most likely to engage in crime if they are exposed to deviant values early in life, frequently, over a long period of time, and from important people.

Labeling Theory Labeling theory holds that deviance depends on how others react. Primary deviance is the initial violation of a norm or law. Secondary deviance occurs when individuals have been labeled deviant.

THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND SOCIAL CONTROL

The Criminal Justice System The criminal justice system refers to government agencies that are charged with enforcing laws, passing judgment, and correcting behavior. It includes police, courts, and prisons. It relies on prevention and intervention, punishment, and rehabilitation.

Prevention and Intervention Social service agencies and community outreach programs try to prevent crime. Treatment for drug and alcohol abuse seems to have a positive effect. Police can head off some crimes or patrol high crime areas to reduce crime rates temporarily.

Punishing Crime The crime control model emphasizes protecting society and a get tough attitude. The U.S. leads the world in inmates per capita. In 2008, one in every 100 Americans was in prison. Approximately 65 percent of Americans support the death penalty. There is little evidence that executions or harsh penalties deter crime.

U.S. Prisoners

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation is a view that appropriate treatment can change offenders into productive, law-abiding citizens. Rehabilitation programs are particularly successful when they provide employment after release.

REVIEW 1. What is deviance? 2. What is crime? 3. Describe the functionalist perspective on deviance and crime. 4. Describe the conflict perspective on deviance and crime. 5. Describe the feminist perspective on deviance and crime. 6. Describe the symbolic interaction perspective on deviance and crime. 7. How do we attempt to control crime?