Crime and Deviance Lecture Notes

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers basic definitions of crime and deviance, the sociological concept of social construction, and non-sociological (psychological and biological) explanations for criminal behavior.

Crime

An action or behaviour that goes against the legislation of a particular country or state.

Deviance

Actions which go against the norms and values of a society; these may not be against the law but are frowned upon by most in society.

Social Construction

A social phenomena which is not naturally occurring but created by the society in which it is found.

Historically (Social Construction)

The concept that criminal action and deviant behaviour changes over time; what was once acceptable may become illegal/deviant and what was once deviant/illegal may become acceptable.

Contextually (Social Construction)

The concept that behaviours that are acceptable in certain situations would not be in others, such as wearing a bikini on the beach versus in the centre of town.

Culturally (Social Construction)

The concept that what is considered acceptable or rude varies depending on the culture, such as eating with the left hand in Arab nations being considered rude.

Age (Social Construction)

The concept that some behaviours are acceptable or illegal depending on the age group, such as age restrictions on certain products.

Bowlby (Maternal Deprivation)

The psychological theory that people deprived of a mother's love as a young infant are more likely to become juvenile delinquents, leading to a criminal career.

Freud (Personality Traits)

The psychological theory involving the Id, Ego and Super-Ego, suggesting criminal behaviour occurs when these are out of balance in favour of the Id.

Mental Abnormality

The idea that brain damage or mental illness suffered by criminals makes them commit crimes.

Lombroso

A biological theory suggesting criminals were less evolved humans, identified by facial features such as large foreheads, big ears, and small eyes.

Warrior Gene (MAOA)

A gene mutation linked to more aggressive behaviour, risk taking, and impulsiveness, which can be linked to criminal behaviour.