Term Definition

A social phenomenon characterized by a widespread and

disproportionate fear or concern about a particular group,
activity, or behavior that is perceived as a threat to the moral or
Moral Panic social order.

The group or individuals who are identified as the cause of the

moral panic, and who are portrayed as deviant, dangerous, or
Folk Devils immoral by the media, politicians, and other authorities.

The process of blaming the folk devils for broader social

problems or anxieties and using them as a symbol of what is
Scapegoating wrong with society.

The process of creating and disseminating negative and

oversimplified images of the folk devils, often based on
Stereotyping assumptions, myths, or stereotypes.

The use of moral panic to reinforce existing power structures and

social norms, and to justify the exercise of authority and control
Social Control over individuals and groups.

Restorative Justice A philosophy and approach to justice that emphasizes repairing

 the harm caused by crime or wrongdoing through cooperative
processes that involve all stakeholders.

A restorative justice process that involves bringing together the

victim, the offender, and their families and friends, as well as
members of the community, in a circle to discuss the harm and its
Circle Process impact and to develop a plan for repair and reintegration.

Deviance Theory Definition

A theory that argues that deviance is a necessary part of social

Structural order and serves essential functions in society, such as
Functionalism reinforcing social norms and values.

A theory that suggests that deviance is a result of weakened

social bonds and that strong social bonds can prevent individuals
Social Control Theory from engaging in deviant behavior.

A theory that focuses on the meanings individuals give to

Symbolic deviant behavior and how these meanings shape their behavior
Interactionism and interactions with others.
 Deviance Theory Definition

A theory that argues that deviance is a response to the strain

caused by the gap between cultural goals and the means available
Strain Theory to achieve them.

A theory that emphasizes the importance of social labels and

how they can shape an individual's self-concept and behavior. It
suggests that individuals who are labeled as deviant are more
Labelling Becker likely to continue engaging in deviant behavior.

A theory that argues that deviance is a result of power struggles

and social inequalities in society. It suggests that deviance is
more likely to occur among individuals who lack power and
Conflict Theory resources.

A theory that emphasizes the importance of gender in

understanding deviance and argues that traditional theories of
deviance have neglected the experiences of women and other
Feminist Theory marginalized groups.

Deterrence VS Definition
Reform
 The idea that the nature of a sentence or punishment should
Deterrence discourage criminals from committing crimes.

Criminals should pay for what they have done wrong. (ex.
Retribution Prison sentence or a paid fine).

Punishments should try to “help” criminals so that they will not

Reform commit crimes again.

Punishment should keep criminals away from civilians so that

Protection they do not literally murder someone.