Question 1

What is the difference between crime and deviance in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Crime refers to behaviour that breaks formal laws and is punishable by the state, such as theft or assault. Deviance is broader: it describes actions that violate social norms, which may or may not be illegal. For example, picking your nose in public is deviant but not criminal, while speeding is criminal but often not seen as deviant. Sociologists study both to understand how societies define and enforce rules.

Question 2

Why do official crime statistics not tell the whole story?

Accepted Answer

Official statistics only include crimes reported to and recorded by the police. Many offences go unreported due to fear, embarrassment, or lack of trust in the system—this is called the 'dark figure' of crime. For instance, domestic violence and sexual assault are notoriously under-reported. Additionally, police may choose not to record certain crimes (e.g., minor thefts) to improve their performance targets. Victim surveys like the Crime Survey for England and Wales give a more accurate picture.

Question 3

How does labelling theory explain crime and deviance?

Accepted Answer

Labelling theory, developed by Howard Becker, argues that deviance is not inherent in an act but is created by society's reaction. When someone is labelled as 'criminal' or 'deviant', they may internalise that label and continue offending—a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, a student caught smoking cannabis might be labelled a 'junkie' by teachers, leading them to adopt that identity and associate with other drug users. This theory highlights the power of authorities (police, courts) to define deviance.

Question 4

What is the functionalist perspective on crime?

Accepted Answer

Functionalists like Durkheim see crime as inevitable and even functional for society. Crime can reinforce social solidarity by uniting people against a common enemy (e.g., public outrage after a high-profile murder). It also acts as a 'safety valve' for minor deviance (e.g., Cohen's concept of status frustration) and can warn of social problems. However, functionalism is criticised for ignoring how crime harms victims and for justifying inequality.

Question 5

How does social class affect crime rates?

Accepted Answer

Official statistics show that working-class individuals are more likely to be arrested and imprisoned for street crimes like theft or assault. However, Marxists argue this reflects bias in the criminal justice system, not actual offending patterns. The wealthy commit 'white-collar' crimes (fraud, tax evasion) that cause greater financial harm but are less likely to be prosecuted. Strain theory (Merton) suggests working-class people may turn to crime when they cannot achieve society's goals through legitimate means.

Question 6

What is a moral panic and can you give an example?

Accepted Answer

A moral panic is an exaggerated public reaction to a perceived threat, often fuelled by the media. Stanley Cohen coined the term after studying the 1960s 'Mods and Rockers' clashes, where newspapers amplified minor conflicts into a national crisis. A modern example is the panic over 'knife crime' among young people, which, while serious, is often sensationalised. Moral panics can lead to stricter laws and policing, but they also distract from underlying social issues like poverty.

Crime and deviance

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