CRIME AS A

SOCIAL
DEVIATION

LEXER
Contents
1. Definition of Crime as a Social Deviation ....................................................................................... 1
2. Causes of Crime as a Social Deviation ............................................................................................. 1
3. Impact of Crime as a Social Deviation ......................................................................................... 1
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Understanding Crime as a Social Deviation ................................................................................... 2
i. Social Norms and Values: ................................................................................................................. 2
ii. Socialization and Deviance: ............................................................................................................. 2
iii. Social Control: ................................................................................................................................. 2
iv. Structural Factors: .......................................................................................................................... 3
3. Factors Influencing Crime as a Social Deviation ........................................................................... 4
i. Socioeconomic Conditions: ............................................................................................................... 3
ii. Education and Employment: ........................................................................................................... 4
iii. Family Dynamics: ............................................................................................................................ 4
iv. Peer Influence: ................................................................................................................................. 4
4. Consequences of crime as a social deviation ................................................................................... 4
i. Individual consequences: .................................................................................................................. 5
ii. Community consequences: ............................................................................................................... 5
iii. Societal consequences: ..................................................................................................................... 4
5. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................. 4
REFERENCES………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………….5

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CRIME AS A SOCIAL DEVIATION

1. Definition of Crime as a Social Deviation

2. Causes of Crime as a Social Deviation
3. Impact of Crime as a Social Deviation
4. Societal Responses to Crime as a Social Deviation
5. Strategies for Preventing Crime as a Social Deviation

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CRIME AS A SOCIAL DEVIATION

1. Introduction

The authors hope that through criticisms of existing theory and the demonstration of the
relevance of social theory to the understanding of complex wrong-restraining phenomena,
social theory can play a decisive role in the development of options for academic thought and
policy making. Therefore, the authors of the inquiry suggest that there needs to be a more
conclusive use of social theory in criminal law, both in the field of research and in policy-
making areas. This includes asking the question of how useful social theory can be.

Against those who have denied the relevance of social theory in criminology and related
disciplines, arguing that they are necessary for policy orientation to prevent and address
wrongful acts, it is suggested here that claims and hypotheses that invalidate the relevance of
a social causation-based discourse in criminal law may lack methodological soundness. In
fact, the contention is that social theorists should test and trial potential assumptions within
their own intellectual systems in a way that directly impacts society. This could enhance the
understanding of complex wrong-restraining phenomena.

The authors of the inquiry suggest that no single penalizing hypothesis or notion can fully
describe felony or the pattern of criminal adjudication and correctional networks across
societies. They are concerned with the diversity of social living and what social theory can
offer in terms of informing human behaviour. This concern is a theme that links many of the
subscriptions to the inquiry.

2. Understanding Crime as a Social Deviation

Understanding crime as a social deviation involves examining how criminal behaviour

deviates from societal norms and values. Here's a breakdown:

i. Social Norms and Values:

Societies establish norms and values that guide acceptable behaviour. Crime occurs when
individuals or groups violate these norms through actions such as theft, violence, or fraud.

ii. Socialization and Deviance:

Through socialization, individuals learn societal norms and internalize them. Deviance occurs
when individuals or groups depart from these norms, leading to behaviours deemed
unacceptable or unlawful by society

iii. Social Control:

Societies employ various mechanisms of social control to regulate behaviour and deter
crime. These include formal institutions such as laws, police, and courts, as well as informal
mechanisms like family, peer groups, and cultural norms.

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iv. Structural Factors:

Crime is often influenced by structural factors such as poverty, inequality, unemployment,

and lack of access to education and opportunities. These factors can shape individuals' life
chances and increase their likelihood of engaging in criminal behaviour.

Pew Research Centre. (2023). Social Deviation and Crime Trends: A Comparative Analysis.
Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/

3. Factors Influencing Crime as a Social Deviation

i. Socioeconomic Conditions:

Poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and income inequality can increase the likelihood of
individuals engaging in criminal activities as a means of survival or due to limited access to
legitimate avenues for success.

ii. Education and Employment:

Lower levels of education and limited job prospects can contribute to higher rates of crime, as
individuals may turn to illegal means to meet their needs or achieve societal expectations.

iii. Family Dynamics:

Dysfunctional family environments, lack of parental supervision, exposure to domestic

violence, and neglect can contribute to delinquency and criminal behaviour among youth.

iv. Peer Influence:

Peer groups and social networks can exert significant influence on individuals, with peer
pressure, social norms, and group dynamics shaping behaviours, including involvement in
criminal activities.

Individual psychological factors such as impulsivity, lack of empathy, antisocial personality

traits, and mental health disorders can contribute to criminal behaviour. Shape the prevalence
and types of criminal behaviours observed within a society

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2023). Factors Influencing Crime as Social
Deviation: A Global Perspective. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/

4. Consequences of crime as a social deviation

The consequences of crime as a social deviation can be far-reaching and impactful on

individuals, communities, and society as a whole:

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i. Individual consequences:

- Legal Penalties: Individuals convicted of crimes may face legal penalties such as fines,
probation, imprisonment, or even capital punishment, depending on the severity of the
offense and the jurisdiction's laws.

- Stigmatization: Criminal records can lead to social stigma, discrimination, and difficulties
in obtaining employment, housing, education, or other opportunities.

ii. Community consequences:

- Disruption of Social Cohesion: Crime can erode trust, cohesion, and solidarity within
communities, leading to increased fear, isolation, and social fragmentation.

- Economic Impact: High crime rates can deter investment, business development, and
tourism, leading to economic decline and exacerbating social inequalities within
communities.

iii. Societal consequences:

- Undermining Rule of Law: Persistent crime undermines confidence in the rule of law and
the effectiveness of legal and justice systems, potentially leading to a breakdown of social
order and increased vigilante justice or retributive violence.

- Erosion of Trust in Institutions: Perceptions of corruption, injustice, or ineffectiveness

within law enforcement, judiciary, and government institutions can diminish public trust and
legitimacy, undermining social cohesion and democracy.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2023). Consequences of Crime as Social
Deviation: Impact on Communities. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/

5. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, defining crime as a social deviation involves understanding how criminal

behaviour departs from societal norms and values. It encompasses factors such as social
norms and values, socialization processes, social control mechanisms, structural influences,
subcultural dynamics, and labelling processes. Crime as a social deviation is influenced by
various factors, including socioeconomic conditions, education, family dynamics, peer
influence, substance abuse, cultural factors, psychological traits, social disorganization, legal
systems, and historical/cultural contexts.
The consequences of crime as a social deviation are significant, impacting individuals,
communities, and society as a whole. These consequences include legal penalties, social
stigma, psychological effects, disruption of social cohesion, economic impact, erosion of trust
in institutions, and perpetuation of cycles of violence and retaliation.
Addressing crime as a social deviation requires comprehensive strategies that encompass
prevention, intervention, rehabilitation, and community engagement efforts. By addressing

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underlying social, economic, and structural factors, societies can work towards creating safer,
more resilient communities and promoting justice, equity, and well-being for all.

REFERENCES

1. Durkheim, E. (1895). The Rules of Sociological Method (G. E. G. Catlin, Trans.). Free
Press.

2. Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5),
672–682. https://doi.org/10.2307/2084686

3. Cohen, A. K. (1955). Delinquent Boys: The Culture of the Gang. Free Press.

4. Akers, R. L. (1998). Social Learning and Social Structure: A General Theory of Crime and
Deviance. Northeastern University Press.

These references provide foundational texts and key studies that contribute to the
understanding of crime as a social deviation.