Crime and Deviance What do you think of people who do this: Continuously talking to oneself in public Drag racing on a public street or highway Regularly using illegal drugs A man wearing women’s clothing Attacking another person with a weapon Acts of deviance or considered criminal?

Crime Crime: any act that is labeled as such by those in authority, is prohibited by law, and is punishable by the government. Punishment is likely to be more serious than that of deviance. Ex. Robbing a bank is prohibited by law and punishable by government… on the other hand, if a swimmer who stands by and watches a friend drown instead of attempting to rescue them has not necessarily committed a crime (violated a moral code, but not necessarily a law).

Types of Crime Violent Crime: murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault Crime Against Property: burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson (more common than violent crime) Victimless Crime: prostitution, gambling, illegal drug use, vagrancy – supposedly they harm no one but the person committing the act. White-Collar Crime: committed by an individual or individuals of high social status in the course of their professional lives. Organized Crime: large-scale organization of professional criminals that controls some vice or business through violence or threat of violence. Robbery – taking something with violence against a person Burglary – breaking and entering with intent to commit crime (theft) Larceny – unlawful taking of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently Vagrancy – erratic, unpredictable, or extravagant action (no established residence and wanders idly from place to place without lawful or visible means of support) One (as a prostitute or drunkard) whose conduct constitutes statutory vagrancy. White collar crimes are financially motivated Organized Crime – mafia, Al Capone, gangs To be criminal behavior there needs to be some form of INTENT

Criminal Justice System Police – arrest people for a criminal act (they get to decide who is actually arrested); several factors enter into an officer’s decision to arrest someone. Courts – determines guilt or innocence and assigns punishment Corrections – sanctions used to punish criminals (imprisonment, parole, and probation) Retribution: act of revenge for the victim Deterrence: discourage offenders from committing future crimes and to make other think twice about it as well. Rehabilitation: reform/change criminals into law-abiding citizens upon return to society Social Protection: prevents future crime – limiting freedom or taking their life. Recidivism: repeated criminal behavior (effectiveness of corrections)

Deviance Deviant behavior is behavior that is a recognized violation of a social norm (shared rules of conduct that tell people how to act in specific situations based on the values of a community – values justify the prescribed behavioral norm). It is not the act itself, but rather the reactions to the act, that make something deviant (in other words, society determines what is deviant). Often defined by some (especially the ruling groups) as a social problem. Behavior that, while being different, is often not controlled legally (a.k.a. it is not interchangeable with crime)

Nature of Deviance Since there are countless norms that govern behavior, occasional violations are unavoidable. Situational determinants: deviant in one situation but not another. Ex. Generally killing someone is illegal… what about military members or police officers in the line of duty? Between societies: deviant in one society but not the other. Ex. Divorce is legal in the U.S . but impossible to obtain in the Republic of Ireland. Historical determinant: deviant at one point in time but not another. Ex. In the past it was illegal for stores to do business on Sunday. Are our stores open on Sunday?

How does one become considered deviant? Repeating offenses Committing an act that has a serious negative consequence for society – murder, sexual assault, or robbery To be labeled deviant: Must be detected (at least someone must be aware of the behavior) Stigmatized by society: holds a mark of social disgrace that sets them apart from the rest of society Ex. Prisoners wear orange/striped suits and are assigned a number; “Scarlet Letter”

Social Functions of Deviance Unifying the Group – draws a line between conforming members of society and “outsiders”, reinforcing a sense of community. Clarifying Norms – those who break rules remind others what is acceptable and that certain behaviors are not tolerated. Diffusing Tension – minor acts do not disrupt the basic fabrics of society. Identifying Problems – when a large number of people break a norm it indicates the someone needs to be changed. Providing Legitimate Jobs – (sad but true) judges, lawyers, police officers, prison personnel, etc.

Where and When is it deviant and acceptable? ACT DEVIANT ACCEPTABLE Nudity Taking a Life Stealing Invading a Country Swearing Being a Socialist Rape Smoking Dope Fighting

Other Examples of Deviance Breaking the Urinal Etiquette or Elevator “Rules” Wearing certain outfits (in certain locations) – i.e. low-cut, cleavage shirts in schools Walking down the wrong side of the hallway Tattoos Older people dating considerably younger people Flirting with a guy/girl who is taken or cheating on your significant other Cheating on a test Spying on people/eavesdropping

Crime vs. Deviance Criminal and Deviant: breaking both social and legal rules. Ex. Battering an old lady to death is both criminal and deviant and deserves punishment such as imprisonment. Deviant but not Criminal: breaking social but not legal rules. Ex. Male manager wearing a dress to the office or someone talking loudly in the middle of a concert. Criminal but not Deviant: this is difficult because it depends on how others see it. Speeding is a criminal offense but the majority of people do it at some time or another. If someone is found guilty is a minor speeding offence and fined, are they subject to social disapproval?

Deviant or Criminal? Living as a hermit Alcoholism Forcing your wife to have sex against her will Downloading porn off the internet Stealing from a shop Smoking pot in the privacy of your own home Cross Dressing Not appointing a black candidate because you are racist A homosexual relationship between 17 year olds

Cont’d Cheating at cards Having sex at 15 years of age Prostitution Two-timing your boy or girl friend Attempting suicide Buying cigarettes at age 14 Lesbianism

Are You Deviant? Discussion Explain 2 ways in which behavior or actions of yours can be considered deviant. Why would it be considered deviant – what norm does it break? To whom would it be considered deviant? Is it considered deviant in all locations? Situation, Societal, or Historical?