Definitions of crime and deviance as social constructs – A Level Sociology Eduqas Revision

Introduction to Crime and Deviance as Social Constructs

Crime is defined as an action or behaviour which breaches the formal laws of a society and is punishable by the legal system.
Deviance, on the other hand, refers to behaviours that violate the norms and expectations of a society but may not necessarily be illegal.
These definitions are not fixed but are social constructs, meaning they are created and shaped by societies and their values, norms and regulations.

Societal Influence on Crime and Deviance

Societies, through their socio-cultural values, institutions and structures, define what constitutes crime and deviance.
As societal norms and values change over time, so does the definition of what is seen as criminal or deviant behaviour.
This implies that actions considered to be crime or deviance are relative and subjective, depending on cultural, historical and societal context.

Cultural Relativity of Crime and Deviance

A behaviour regarded as a crime in one society may not be criminal in another. This highlights the concept of cultural relativity in crime and deviance.
The phenomenon of cultural relativism posits that cultures cannot be objectively ranked as better or worse than others; thus, definitions of crime and deviance can significantly vary across cultures.

Historical Changes in Definitions of Crime and Deviance

Viewpoints on crime and deviance change throughout history, reflecting shifts in societal norms and values. Activities that were once criminal may become legal (decriminalisation) and vice versa (criminalisation).
For example, the classification of homosexuality as illegal has been decriminalised in many societies as attitudes and norms concerning homosexuality have evolved.

Role of Power in Defining Crime and Deviance

Power structures within society play a major role in defining and reinforcing what constitutes crime and deviance, as those in power often dictate societal norms.
Critical criminology argues that laws often reflect the interests of the dominant groups in society, and the enforcement of these laws can be biased.

Consequences of Crime and Deviance Labeling

Labeling someone as criminal or deviant can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy where the individual adopts the behaviors associated with the label imposed on them.
This can result in marginalisation and increased social exclusion, potentially leading to further deviant or criminal behavior.

Summary

Ultimately, crime and deviance are social constructs whose definitions heavily depend on societal norms, historical contexts, and power dynamics.
Understanding this concept is essential to challenge and question dominant views on crime and deviance, promoting a more nuanced and critical evaluation of these constructs.