deviance and social control unit 7 study guides

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Crime involves acts prohibited by law that can result in punishment or penalties imposed by the state
• Delinquency refers to antisocial or illegal behavior, particularly in children or adolescents
• Deviance encompasses behaviors that violate social norms, values, or expectations
• Criminology is the scientific study of crime, including its causes, consequences, and prevention
• Victimology focuses on the study of victims, their experiences, and their interactions with the criminal justice system
• Recidivism is the tendency for individuals to relapse into criminal behavior after being punished or treated
• Deterrence theory suggests that the threat of punishment can prevent individuals from engaging in criminal acts
  • Specific deterrence aims to discourage an individual offender from committing future crimes
  • General deterrence seeks to prevent crime among the general population through the example of punished offenders

Theories of Crime and Delinquency

• Biological theories propose that certain genetic or physiological factors predispose individuals to criminal behavior
• Psychological theories emphasize personality traits, mental disorders, or developmental factors that contribute to criminal behavior
  • Psychodynamic theories suggest that unconscious conflicts and early childhood experiences shape criminal behavior
  • Cognitive theories focus on how individuals perceive and process information, influencing their decision to engage in crime
• Sociological theories examine the social structures, institutions, and interactions that influence criminal behavior
  • Strain theory proposes that individuals engage in crime when they cannot achieve socially valued goals through legitimate means
  • Social disorganization theory links crime rates to neighborhood characteristics, such as poverty, residential instability, and ethnic heterogeneity
  • Differential association theory posits that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others who engage in or approve of crime
• Labeling theory suggests that societal reactions to deviant behavior can lead to further deviance and criminal activity
• Rational choice theory assumes that individuals make calculated decisions to engage in crime based on perceived costs and benefits

Types of Criminal Behavior

• Violent crimes involve the use or threat of force against persons (assault, robbery, homicide)
• Property crimes involve the theft or destruction of property without the use of force against individuals (burglary, larceny, arson)
• White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses committed by individuals in the course of their occupation (embezzlement, fraud, insider trading)
• Organized crime refers to the activities of structured criminal enterprises engaged in illegal businesses or services (drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering)
• Cybercrime encompasses illegal activities committed using computers or the internet (hacking, identity theft, online fraud)
• Hate crimes are motivated by bias against a victim's race, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics
• Environmental crimes involve violations of laws designed to protect the environment and public health (illegal dumping, wildlife poaching)

Factors Influencing Criminal Activity

• Individual factors, such as age, gender, intelligence, and personality traits, can influence the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior
• Family factors, including parental criminality, child abuse or neglect, and poor parental supervision, can contribute to the development of criminal behavior
• Peer influence and association with delinquent or criminal individuals can increase the risk of engaging in criminal activity
• Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education, are associated with higher rates of crime
  • Social inequality and relative deprivation can create strain and motivate individuals to engage in crime
  • Lack of legitimate opportunities and resources can make crime a more attractive alternative
• Substance abuse, particularly of drugs and alcohol, is strongly linked to criminal behavior
• Neighborhood and community characteristics, such as high crime rates, social disorganization, and lack of social cohesion, can foster criminal activity
• Media influence, including exposure to violent content and glamorization of criminal lifestyles, may contribute to the normalization of criminal behavior

Juvenile Delinquency

• Juvenile delinquency refers to illegal or antisocial behavior committed by minors, typically under the age of 18
• Status offenses are acts that are considered illegal due to the offender's age (truancy, running away, underage drinking)
• Risk factors for juvenile delinquency include family dysfunction, academic failure, peer rejection, and early aggressive behavior
• Protective factors, such as strong family bonds, positive school experiences, and prosocial peer relationships, can mitigate the risk of delinquency
• Juvenile justice systems aim to rehabilitate young offenders and prevent future delinquency
  • Diversion programs seek to redirect youth away from formal court processing and into community-based interventions
  • Restorative justice approaches focus on repairing the harm caused by delinquent behavior and promoting accountability and reintegration
• Gang involvement is a significant factor in juvenile delinquency, providing a sense of belonging, protection, and status for vulnerable youth
• Early intervention and prevention programs targeting at-risk youth can reduce the likelihood of future delinquency and crime

Crime Prevention Strategies

• Situational crime prevention focuses on reducing opportunities for crime by modifying the physical environment (improved lighting, security cameras, access control)
• Community-oriented policing emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement and the community to identify and address crime-related issues
• Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) incorporates architectural and urban planning principles to create safer built environments
• Social crime prevention addresses the root causes of crime, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of education or employment opportunities
  • Early childhood intervention programs provide support and resources to at-risk families and children
  • Youth development programs offer positive alternatives to delinquency, such as mentoring, skills training, and recreational activities
• Deterrence-based strategies aim to prevent crime by increasing the perceived costs and risks associated with criminal behavior (increased police presence, harsher penalties)
• Rehabilitation programs, such as substance abuse treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and vocational training, seek to address the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior
• Public education and awareness campaigns can promote crime prevention by encouraging individuals to adopt safe behaviors and report suspicious activities

Criminal Justice System Overview

• The criminal justice system consists of three main components: law enforcement, courts, and corrections
• Law enforcement agencies, such as police departments and federal agencies (FBI, DEA), are responsible for investigating crimes and apprehending suspects
• The court system encompasses the judiciary, including judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, and is responsible for adjudicating criminal cases
  • Pretrial proceedings involve the initial appearance, bail determination, and plea bargaining
  • Trials can be conducted before a judge (bench trial) or a jury, and the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
  • Sentencing occurs after a guilty verdict or plea and can include fines, probation, imprisonment, or alternative sanctions
• The corrections system is responsible for the supervision and rehabilitation of convicted offenders
  • Incarceration in jails or prisons is the most common form of punishment for serious offenses
  • Probation and parole involve community-based supervision and monitoring of offenders
  • Rehabilitation programs in correctional settings aim to reduce recidivism and promote successful reentry into society
• The juvenile justice system operates separately from the adult system, with a greater emphasis on rehabilitation and individualized treatment

Social and Economic Impact of Crime

• Crime imposes significant costs on society, including direct costs (property loss, medical expenses) and indirect costs (reduced productivity, decreased quality of life)
• Victimization can result in physical, emotional, and financial harm to individuals and communities
  • Victims may experience trauma, fear, and a reduced sense of safety
  • Repeat victimization can lead to chronic stress and long-term negative consequences
• Crime can erode social cohesion and trust within communities, leading to increased fear and social isolation
• High crime rates can deter economic investment and development in affected areas, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disadvantage
• The criminal justice system itself imposes substantial costs on society, including the expenses associated with law enforcement, courts, and corrections
• Mass incarceration has disproportionately affected marginalized communities, particularly racial and ethnic minorities, contributing to social and economic inequalities
  • Collateral consequences of incarceration, such as barriers to employment and housing, can hinder successful reentry and increase the likelihood of recidivism
  • The impact of incarceration extends beyond the individual offender, affecting families and communities through increased poverty, family instability, and social stigma
• Addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity, can have far-reaching social and economic benefits, promoting public safety and social well-being