Social Construction of Crime and Deviance » Defining Crime and Deviance

Defining Crime and Deviance

Crime and deviance are key concepts in sociology that help us understand how societies establish and enforce rules. Though they might seem straightforward at first, these concepts are actually quite complex and vary significantly across different societies and time periods.

Key Definitions:

• Crime: Behaviour that breaks the law and is subject to formal punishment.
• Deviance: Behaviour that goes against social norms but may not necessarily be illegal.
• Social construction: The idea that meanings, definitions and understandings are created through social interaction rather than being natural or fixed.

The Social Construction of Crime and Deviance

A key sociological insight is that crime and deviance aren't natural categories but are socially constructed. This means that what counts as criminal or deviant behaviour is defined through social processes and varies across different contexts.

Why Crime and Deviance Are Socially Constructed

📅 Time

What's considered criminal or deviant changes over time. Homosexuality was once illegal in the UK but is now legally protected. Similarly, smoking in public places was once normal but is now restricted.

🌎 Place

Definitions vary across societies. Cannabis use is legal in some countries but criminal in others. Even within countries, what's acceptable can differ between urban and rural areas.

🏢 Context

The same behaviour can be interpreted differently depending on context. Fighting is criminal in most situations but acceptable in boxing rings. Drinking alcohol is normal at parties but deviant during school or work.

The Role of Power in Defining Crime and Deviance

Who gets to define what counts as crime or deviance isn't random – it's closely linked to power. Those with more social, economic and political power have greater influence in shaping laws and social norms.

Different Types of Deviance

Not all deviance is viewed the same way by society. Sociologists have identified different categories:

Key Sociological Perspectives on Crime and Deviance

Different sociological perspectives offer various explanations for how and why certain behaviours become defined as criminal or deviant:

📝 Functionalism

Sees deviance as serving important functions in society. Émile Durkheim argued that deviance helps clarify moral boundaries, promotes social unity and can drive positive social change.

⚖ Marxism

Views criminal law as reflecting the interests of the ruling class. Laws protect private property and criminalise behaviours that threaten capitalism, while powerful people's harmful actions often go unpunished.

💬 Interactionism

Focuses on how deviance is created through social interaction and labelling. Howard Becker argued that deviance is not about the act itself but about how others respond to it.

Labelling Theory

Labelling theory is particularly important for understanding how deviance is socially constructed. This perspective, developed by Howard Becker, suggests that no act is inherently deviant – it becomes deviant when others label it as such.

The Relativity of Crime and Deviance

One of the most important aspects of understanding crime and deviance is recognising their relativity. What's considered criminal or deviant depends on:

• Historical period: Witchcraft was once a serious crime punishable by death in Britain but is no longer criminalised.
• Cultural context: Eating beef is normal in the UK but taboo in parts of India where cows are considered sacred.
• Social groups: Different subcultures within the same society may have different norms (e.g., graffiti is vandalism to some but art to others).
• Situational factors: Nudity is criminal in public spaces but acceptable in changing rooms or saunas.

The Consequences of Labelling

When behaviours are labelled as criminal or deviant, this has real consequences for individuals and groups:

• Stigmatisation: People labelled as criminals or deviants may face social rejection and discrimination.
• Self-concept: Being labelled can affect how people see themselves, potentially leading to a deviant identity.
• Life chances: Criminal records can limit employment, housing and educational opportunities.
• Amplification: Labelling can sometimes increase the behaviour it aims to prevent through a process called "deviance amplification".

Conclusion

Understanding crime and deviance as socially constructed helps us see that these categories aren't natural or fixed. They're created through social processes influenced by power, culture and historical context. This perspective encourages us to question why certain behaviours are criminalised while others aren't and to consider whose interests are served by particular definitions of crime and deviance.