Crime and the Law

Deviance, Crime, and Social Control SOCI 1306 Crime and the Law Sociologists use the term "deviance" to describe actions that go against societal norms. Even while these actions don't always result in official penalty, they frequently cause societal disfavour. Crucially, deviation is only an action or behaviour that deviates from what is seen normal or acceptable in a community; it is not always destructive or malicious. On the other hand, crime is a subcategory of deviation that focuses on breaking rules put out by the government and is punishable by law. Think about going backwards to class as an example. This is a deviant behaviour as it goes against the custom of going forward, although it is not illegal and carries no consequences. On the other hand, driving while intoxicated is illegal since it violates established regulations meant to protect the public and is punished by jail time, fines, or licence suspension. But it's not always easy to distinguish between crime and deviance, and there's frequently disagreement about what behaviours are considered crimes and whether or not all crimes are intrinsically bad enough to warrant punishment. Historical circumstances like the 1960s civil rights movement demonstrate this complexity. In the fight for racial equality, activists regularly took part in acts that were prohibited at the time. For instance, Rosa Parks broke the law when she refused to give up her seat to a White man on a bus that was segregated. In the modern era, we acknowledge the injustice of these laws and the significance of Parks' act of disobedience in the struggle for civil rights. This acknowledgment emphasises the reality that laws are not perfect; they are made by people in positions of authority and represent their views and interests at the time they are created. This brings up the more general issue of social control, or the means by which communities keep harmony and order. Formal social control relies on rules and regulations that are upheld by authorities such as the judiciary and police. Informal social control depends on norms and conventions that direct daily behaviour. Legal codes, or the collection of laws passed by political authority, serve as the formal framework for social governance. Formal penalties for breaking these rules include fines, community service, incarceration, and, in certain situations, the death penalty. The perceived seriousness of the offence and the social importance of the broken standard are usually reflected in the harshness of the penalty. For example, small theft could carry a light penalty, while murder would carry a considerably heavier sentence. However, there are other elements than the seriousness of the offence that affect the link between crime and punishment. When it comes to criminal punishment, societal views, political goals, and the offender's socioeconomic background can all be very important factors. For instance, drug-related offences frequently result in harsh punishments, especially in nations with strong drug prohibitions. Nonetheless, discussions over the justice and efficacy of these laws have arisen since marginalised people may be disproportionately affected by these fines. Furthermore, high-profile cases involving powerful or affluent people may lead to lighter punishments, underscoring inequalities in the criminal justice system. The fact that cultural norms are always changing adds another layer of complexity to the debate over criminal behaviour and punishment. As society views change, crimes that are deemed criminals now might not be such tomorrow. Consider marijuana usage as an example. Although it was formerly heavily criminalised, it is currently permitted for either medicinal or recreational use in many countries. This transformation is indicative of a larger reassessment of the war on drugs and its social ramifications, as well as a shift in the way society views the hazards and advantages of the substance. Laws change, but so do the means of implementation and penalization. For example, restorative justice is a strategy that emphasises the rehabilitation of criminals by rapprochement with victims and the society at large. Retributive justice stands in stark contrast to this approach as it places more emphasis on punishment and deterrence. By addressing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour and mending the harm caused, restorative justice offers a different approach to how society should handle crime and deviance. The significance of human rights and international standards further emphasises the complexity of crime and deviance. In certain countries, some behaviours are viewed as normal or even necessary, whereas in others they are deemed illegal. For example, although female genital mutilation (FGM) is prohibited in many nations and denounced by international human rights organisations, it is nonetheless a custom in some communities. This disparity serves as an example of the difficulties in imposing a universal norm on actions that are intricately woven within cultural settings. In conclusion, deviation is not the same as crime, even if it includes actions that deviate from societal standards. A subset of aberrant behaviours that break formal laws and are subject to governmental punishment is referred to as crime. A complex relationship that is influenced by historical, cultural, and sociopolitical variables exists between deviance, crime, and social control. Laws are dynamic; they change in response to shifting public attitudes and beliefs. Furthermore, a number of variables, including as cultural norms, political authority, and socioeconomic standing, affect how laws are applied and enforced. A complex understanding of crime, deviance, and social control mechanisms requires an understanding of these processes. The concepts and ideas of what defines abnormal and illegal behaviour will change along with society, forcing us to constantly reevaluate our legal and social structures.