Deviance & Crime
What is deviance?
Behaviour that goes against the accepted norms or expectations of a society or social group.
What is social conformity?
Following the accepted norms, values and expectations of a group or society.
What does the functionalist theory suggest about deviance?
Deviance is a normal and necessary part of society and can contribute to social order.
Who developed social control theory?
Travis Hirschi.
What is a moral panic?
An exaggerated public concern that a person, group or behaviour threatens society's values or safety.
What is the difference between deviance and crime?
Deviance violates social norms, while crime violates the law. Not all deviant behaviour is illegal.
What is the purpose of social control?
To encourage conformity, maintain social order and make behaviour more predictable.
What does affirmation of cultural norms and values mean?
Society's reaction to deviance reinforces shared beliefs about acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
What is the main argument of Hirschi's social control theory?
People are less likely to engage in deviance when they have strong bonds connecting them to society.
What is a folk devil?
A person or group portrayed as a threat to society and blamed for a perceived social problem.
Give an example of behaviour that is deviant but not criminal.
Wearing pyjamas to a formal wedding, for example, breaks social expectations but is not illegal.
What is the difference between internal and external social controls?
Internal controls come from personal beliefs, values or conscience. External controls come from outside influences such as laws, punishment or social pressure.
How can society's response to a serious crime strengthen social cohesion?
People may unite to support victims, condemn harmful behaviour and reaffirm shared values.
Name the four elements of social bonds in Hirschi's theory.
Attachment, commitment, involvement and belief.
How can media reporting contribute to moral panic?
Sensationalised or repeated coverage can exaggerate the perceived danger of an issue and increase public fear.
What is the difference between positive and negative deviance?
Positive deviance challenges norms in ways that can benefit society, while negative deviance violates norms in ways that may harm others or society.
A student does not cheat because they believe cheating is wrong. What type of social control is this?
Internal social control, because the decision is guided by the student's own moral beliefs.
How can deviance promote social change?
Deviance can reveal problems in society, encourage public debate and lead to changes in laws, policies or social attitudes.
Explain how involvement can reduce deviant behaviour.
Participating in conventional activities such as school, sport or community groups leaves less opportunity for deviance and strengthens social connections.
Give an example of how a group could become a folk devil.
A media campaign repeatedly portraying all young people who gather in public as dangerous criminals, despite limited evidence.
Why might an action be considered deviant in one society but acceptable in another?
Deviance is relative to the norms and values of a particular society, culture, place or time.
A person obeys the speed limit only because they are afraid of receiving a fine. Explain the social control involved.
External social control, because the person's behaviour is influenced by the threat of an external punishment.
Following a serious incident, authorities install new safety barriers and review existing policies. Explain this using functionalist theory.
The incident exposes weaknesses in existing arrangements and encourages reforms to improve public safety, demonstrating how deviance can promote social change.
A teenager has weak family relationships, little interest in school and does not believe rules are important. Use Hirschi's theory to explain their increased risk of deviance.
Weak attachment, commitment and belief reduce the teenager's connection to conventional society, making deviant behaviour more likely.
Explain how media coverage can turn an isolated incident into a wider moral panic.
Sensational reporting exaggerates an incident, portrays a person or group as a threat, increases public fear and may create pressure for stronger social controls.