CH 6: Sociology Terms

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining key terms and theories from the lecture on crime and deviance.

Corporate Crime

Illegal acts committed by a company or its employees for business gain.

Crime

Behavior that breaks a law and is punishable by the government.

Criminal Justice System

The system of police, courts, and prisons that handles crime.

Criminology

The study of crime, criminals, and why people commit crimes.

Deviance

Behavior that violates social norms.

Differential Association Theory

People learn criminal behavior from others they interact with.

Differential Reinforcement Theory

Behavior is shaped by rewards or punishments for actions.

Felony

A serious crime with severe punishment (like prison time over a year).

Illegitimate Opportunity Structures

Illegal ways people have access to commit crime.

Internet Crime

Illegal activities done online (like hacking or scams).

Juvenile Delinquency

Crimes committed by minors (under 18).

Labeling Theory

Being labeled as deviant can lead someone to act more deviant.

Misdemeanor

A less serious crime with lighter punishment (like fines or short jail time).

Occupational (White Collar) Crime

Nonviolent crime committed in a workplace for financial gain.

Organized Crime

Crime carried out by structured groups for profit (like gangs or mafias).

Political Crime

Illegal acts done to gain political power or influence government.

Primary Deviance

Minor rule-breaking that doesn't affect a person's identity.

Property Crimes

Crimes involving stealing or damaging property.

Punishment

A penalty given for breaking a law or rule.

Racial Profiling

Targeting someone for suspicion based on race or ethnicity.

Rational Choice Theory of Deviance

People choose to commit crime after weighing risks and rewards.

Secondary Deviance

Repeated deviance that becomes part of a person's identity.

Social Bond Theory

Strong ties to society reduce the chance of deviance.

Social Control

Ways society encourages people to follow norms and laws.

Status Offenses

Acts that are only illegal for minors (like skipping school).

Strain Theory

Crime happens when people can't achieve goals through legal means.

Structural Solutions

Changes to society (like jobs or education) to reduce crime.

Terrorism

Use of violence to create fear for political or social goals.

Tertiary Deviance

Rejecting negative labels and moving away from deviant behavior.

Victimless Crime

Illegal acts where no one is directly harmed (like gambling).

Violent Crime

Crimes involving force or threat of force against people.