Explain the Social Construction of Criminality

Social construction refers to how societies categorise and react to behaviours.
It involves collective assignment of meaning to behaviours or acts.
Socially constructed norms are subject to change across time and place.
They are not immutable or universally accepted facts but depend on society’s perception.

Criminality is interpreted through legally constructed boundaries establishing what constitutes a crime.
What is recognised as criminal can vary significantly between different societies and cultures.
A behaviour deemed criminal in one society may be accepted in another, exemplifying the constructs’ variability and dependency on social norms.

Shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviours, and artefacts that the members of society use to cope with their world and with one another.
Different cultures have different perceptions of criminality, and offences in one society may not be crimes in others.

Economic status or class can influence perceptions of criminality.
Acts committed by the economically advantaged might be viewed differently compared to those committed by the disadvantaged.

Laws often reflect the interests of those in power, affecting which actions or behaviours are criminalised.
A change in political leadership can shift the social construction of criminality in accordance with their views and ideologies.

Moral beliefs or ethical codes also strongly influence social construction.
Acts that violate societal moral standards can be labelled as criminal, even if they are not harming others.

Labelling theory suggests that the labels applied to individuals influence their behaviour and self-identity.
Being labelled a ‘criminal’ can lead to stigmatisation and increased likelihood of reoffending.
Restorative justice initiatives challenge this by focusing on rehabilitation and social reintegration over punitive action.

Key Concepts to Study

Social Construction: The process by which societies categorise and react to behaviours.
Criminality as a Social Construct: The idea that the definition of a crime can vary significantly between different societies and cultures.
Labelling Theory: The idea that the labels applied to individuals by society can influence their behaviour and self-perception.
Stigmatization: Negative categorisation of individuals based on a particular characteristic, such as criminal behaviour.