Sociology: Crime and Deviance

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the topics of crime and deviance as explored in the Sociology course.

Deviance

Behavior that violates social norms and is considered unacceptable in a given context.

Crime

Deviance that is against the law and enforced by government authorities.

Norms

Societal rules that define acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Stigma

A negative label associated with a trait or behavior that differentiates a person from others.

Social Diversions

Minor acts of deviance that evoke a mild societal reaction, perceived as relatively harmless.

Conflict Crimes

Illegal acts considered harmful to society by many, punishable by the state.

Consensus Crimes

Acts that nearly all agree are harmful and wrong, leading to severe punishment.

Self-report Surveys

Surveys that ask respondents to report their own involvement in criminal activities.

Victimization Surveys

Surveys that ask individuals whether they have been victims of crime.

Control Theory

A theory suggesting that people refrain from deviance due to social control and the fear of consequences.

Strain Theory

Explains that deviance occurs when there is a disconnect between societal goals and the means available to achieve them.

The Medicalization of Deviance

The process of defining deviant behavior as a medical issue rather than a moral failing.

Restorative Justice

An approach to justice focused on rehabilitation and reconciliation rather than punishment.

Panopticon

A prison design allowing constant surveillance of inmates without their knowledge, symbolizing modern control.

Internal Social Control

Regulation of behavior through socialization, leading individuals to view deviance as undesirable.

External Social Control

Regulation of behavior through imposed punishments and societal rewards.

Decriminalization

The process of removing legal prohibitions against certain acts.

Incarceration Rate

The number of individuals imprisoned within a specific population over a given time.

Individuality and Deviance

The concept that while deviance may increase, it remains contained within societal limits.