14 Questions
What is a key characteristic of crime?
It is a social construct with a varying definition based on context.
Who or what defines crime?
A combination of social norms, values, religion, state, and power relations.
What is a key difference between deviance and crime?
Deviance is not always illegal, while crime is always illegal.
What happens when deviance is repeated or committed by people in power?
It becomes normalized.
Who can punish offenders?
Both the criminal justice system and citizens, as students or citizens.
What is crime a product of?
Social forces and relations.
What is a common outcome when an act of deviance is repeated or committed by people in power?
It becomes socially accepted as normal behavior
Why are some ordinary behaviors considered criminal in certain contexts?
Because they are defined as criminal by the law and state
What is a key similarity between crime and deviance?
Both deviate from socially accepted norms
What is the role of power relations in defining crime?
They influence what is defined as criminal by the state
What is an example of an informal rule that is not officially defined by criminal law?
Standing in a queue
What is the relationship between crime and social norms?
Crime is defined by social norms and values
What is the outcome when new laws are created, and police powers are expanded?
Many ordinary behaviors become criminalized
Who, apart from the criminal justice system, can punish offenders?
Citizens, as part of their social responsibility
Study Notes
Definition of Crime
- Crime is a social construct, and its definition varies based on context, changing over time and space
- There is no universal or inherent criminal or deviant act, only acts defined as such by law and state with attached sanctions
Who Defines Crime
- Social norms and values (e.g., ağsaqqal, patriarchy)
- Religion
- State/government
- Power relations (e.g., rich people, influential figures)
Normalized Deviance
- Repeated deviance can become normal over time (e.g., exceeding speed limits)
Similarities between Crime and Deviance
- Both deviate from socially accepted norms
- Harm others' rights
- Socially constructed and context-dependent
Differences between Crime and Deviance
- Deviance doesn't necessarily violate laws
- Informal rules and norms govern deviance, rather than written laws
- Example: standing in a queue is governed by informal etiquette, not criminal laws
Impact of Legislation on Crime
- Changes in legislation can criminalize ordinary behaviors (e.g., traveling, not wearing a mask, working outdoors)
- Police powers can be expanded
Punishment of Offenders
- Criminal justice system (police, prosecutors, courts, prisons, etc.)
- Citizens, including students, can also contribute to punishing offenders
Crime as a Social Product
- Crime is the result of social forces and relations
Definition of Crime
- Crime is a social construct, and its definition varies based on context, changing over time and space
- There is no universal or inherent criminal or deviant act, only acts defined as such by law and state with attached sanctions
Who Defines Crime
- Social norms and values (e.g., ağsaqqal, patriarchy)
- Religion
- State/government
- Power relations (e.g., rich people, influential figures)
Normalized Deviance
- Repeated deviance can become normal over time (e.g., exceeding speed limits)
Similarities between Crime and Deviance
- Both deviate from socially accepted norms
- Harm others' rights
- Socially constructed and context-dependent
Differences between Crime and Deviance
- Deviance doesn't necessarily violate laws
- Informal rules and norms govern deviance, rather than written laws
- Example: standing in a queue is governed by informal etiquette, not criminal laws
Impact of Legislation on Crime
- Changes in legislation can criminalize ordinary behaviors (e.g., traveling, not wearing a mask, working outdoors)
- Police powers can be expanded
Punishment of Offenders
- Criminal justice system (police, prosecutors, courts, prisons, etc.)
- Citizens, including students, can also contribute to punishing offenders
Crime as a Social Product
- Crime is the result of social forces and relations
This quiz explores the concept of crime as a social construct, its definition, and how it's influenced by various factors such as social norms, religion, and power relations. Test your understanding of who defines crime and how it's perceived in different contexts.
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