The Social Nature & Relativity of Crime & Deviance

The Social Nature & Relativity of Crime & Deviance

1. Sociologists argue that crime and deviance are both SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED; meaning that people in society decide what is deviant or crime or neither.

   • Sociologists also argue that humans' perspectives about crime and deviance is not part of their biology.
     • This is where Nature vs Nurture debate comes in.
       • Each society has their own decision about what is crime or deviant then socialise with its members to accept their decision.

2. PLACE

   • Nudity is acceptable in a nudist beach, but it is deviant (and illegal!) when you are walking around a shopping centre naked.
   • Fighting is norm in a boxing ring but is deviant in the street
   • Cross-dressing (e.g. draq queens) is seen as deviant

3. PERSON

   • It is acceptable for a slim woman to wear skimpy clothes but not for a very large woman,
     • Killing is a work of a criminal
       • A parent to hit a children is deviant

4. CONTEXT

   • Swearing during an interview or when receiving an award is wrong and seen as a deviant behaviour. But not when you are talking to your friends.

5. TIME

   • Homosexuality is considered normal as time goes by, whereas in the past it is seen as deviant and wrong.
   • NO LONGER IN UK
     • Abortion
   • NEW TO UK
     • Smoking in public area

6. SOCIETY

   • Wearing a mask over your mouth when having a cold/cough in Japan is considered as a norm, but not in the UK.
   • ACCEPTED ONLY IN UK
     • Alcohol
   • ACCEPTED ELSEWHERE, BUT NOT IN UK
     • Spitting in public