Sociology of Crime

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of crime?

It is a social construct with a varying definition based on context. (correct)

It is an inherent and objective concept with a universal standard.

It is a legal concept with a fixed set of rules and regulations.

It is a universally accepted concept with a fixed definition.

Who or what defines crime?

Only religion and morality.

Only social norms and values.

Only the state and government.

A combination of social norms, values, religion, state, and power relations. (correct)

What is a key difference between deviance and crime?

Deviance is always informal, while crime is always formal.

Deviance is not always illegal, while crime is always illegal. (correct)

Deviance is always formal, while crime is always informal.

Deviance is always illegal, while crime is always legal.

What happens when deviance is repeated or committed by people in power?

It becomes normalized. Signup and view all the answers

Who can punish offenders?

Both the criminal justice system and citizens, as students or citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What is crime a product of?

Social forces and relations. Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

Why are some ordinary behaviors considered criminal in certain contexts?

Because they are defined as criminal by the law and state Signup and view all the answers

What is a key similarity between crime and deviance?

Both deviate from socially accepted norms Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of power relations in defining crime?

They influence what is defined as criminal by the state Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an informal rule that is not officially defined by criminal law?

Standing in a queue Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between crime and social norms?

Crime is defined by social norms and values Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome when new laws are created, and police powers are expanded?

Many ordinary behaviors become criminalized Signup and view all the answers

Who, apart from the criminal justice system, can punish offenders?

Citizens, as part of their social responsibility Signup and view all the answers

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 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 is the result of social forces and relations

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Description

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.