Study Notes on Crime and Deviance

Discussion on the relevance of crime in criminal justice studies.
Importance of field observation assignment for understanding sociological principles.

Trip to Jefferson City
- Instructor will be away with students for twelve hours on Wednesday.
- Class focus will be on completing the field observation assignment (Paper Number One).
Purpose of Paper
- Students must observe a location without engaging in interviews or research activities.
- Observation is to be conducted as a neutral observer, akin to a "fly on the wall."
- Emphasis on writing observations through a sociological lens.
- Written narrative must not include the word "I."
Guidelines for Observation
- Reading and adhering to the provided outline is crucial.
- Essential to have a proof of observation (e.g., signed notes, tickets).
- The use of phones for recording observations (for memory) is acceptable but transcriptions must be narrative-style.
Restrictions
- Off-limits: jails, prisons, and personal connections for observations.
- Acceptable observations include public events, college preview days, and community spaces.
Importance of Networking
- Students encouraged to pick observation sites relevant to their field of interest for future networking.
- Instructor may assist with connections in social work or behavioral health fields.
Deadline and Late Submission Policy
- Assignment has been available for 5-6 weeks.
- Late submissions accepted but penalized (-10% per day, up to 7 days).

Proof of Attendance
- Required proof ranges from signed tickets to timestamps from locations observed.
- Photos or screenshots alone are not sufficient proof; must be accompanied by formal documentation.
Crafting the Opening Paragraph
- Provide details like the date, time, and location of the observation.
- Example: Including specific addresses for verified observation sites.
Suitable Observation Locations
- Public libraries, local events, and college campuses.
- Showing awareness of the environment rather than wandering aimlessly.

Definitions
- Deviance: behavior that violates societal norms, which may elicit negative social reactions.
- Crime: a formal violation of societal laws, categorized under deviance but with legal consequences.
Examples of Deviance
- Historical views of propriety in clothing across eras.
  - Comparison of past college student attire vs. present.
- Tattoos as deviance: perception of tattoos changing over time, leading to discussion on if they are still considered deviant today.
- The relativity of deviance based on the context.
Important Distinction:
- "All deviance is not a crime, but all crime is deviant."

What is Social Control?
- The mechanisms, strategies, and institutions used to limit and regulate behavior in society.
- Differentiated into formal and informal controls:
  - Formal Social Controls: Laws and regulations enforced through legal systems.
  - Informal Social Controls: Expectations established through societal norms, such as general etiquette (e.g., oral disapproval for poor hygiene).
Examples and Concepts
- Deviance can vary greatly depending on social context, group standards, and location.
- Sanctions: may be traditional rewards or punishments (e.g., receiving a trophy or a speeding ticket).

Functionalist Perspectives
- Emile Durkheim argued that deviance plays a critical role in societal structure.
- Functions of Deviance:
- Clarifies norms, strengthens social bonds, and can lead to social change.
Social Ecology
- Examines how neighborhood characteristics affect crime rates and community integration.
Strain Theory (Merton)
- Focuses on the gap between societal goals and individuals’ means of achieving them, leading to deviance.
Hirschi’s Social Control Theory
- Considers bonds to family, school, and society as deterrents to criminal behavior.

Understanding Inequality
- This theory emphasizes how laws serve the interests of powerful groups, perpetuating poverty and inequality.
- The role of social class in exposure to crime rates and the legal system.
Feminist Perspective
- Examines gender inequality within crime and societal reactions to deviance behaviors.

Highlights the role of social interactions in learning criminal behavior.
The theory states that criminal behaviors are acquired through interactions with others, especially close friends and family.

Deviance is a relative term shaped by context, time, and societal norms.
Crime is codified deviance liable to legal action.
Understanding the interactions between the two terms is essential for studying criminal justice and sociology effectively.