A. Deviance

 1.  Deviant behavior: Behavior contrary to norms of conduct and social expectations, not in violation of the legal code.

     a.  absolutist perspective: deviance resides in the nature of the act itself and is wrong at all times and in all places.

     b.  normative perspective: deviance is a violation of a specific group’s or society’s rules at a particular time in history.

     c.  reactive perspective: behavior is not deviant until it has been recognized and condemned.

 2.  Conforming behavior: person complies with legal code and group norms

 3.  Criminal behavior:  person violates the legal codes, although they may conform to subculture norms.

B.  Theoretical Explanations

 1.  Biological - structure determines function ? human behavior is related to an individual’s physical make-up (anatomy, hormones, substances use, genetics)

 2.  Functionalist Theory
      a. statistical normalcy - it is present in every society, no society has total conformity, unacceptable behavior becomes criminal

      b.  functional  - must be necessary - results in positive change, warning of problems, clarifies boundaries, facilitates social solidarity

 3.  anomie theory - normlessness - a breakdown of societal rules and norms
  Merton - societies develop goals and acceptable means to achieve them

 Goal means dysfunction  US More emphasis on goals than means

 Five types of behavior: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion

 4.  Differential Association - Sutherland - criminal behavior is learned from interation with other persons in a process of communication

 5.  Labeling Theory - the social creation of and reaction to deviant behavior, why and effect on individuals

 6.  Marxist theory (conflict theory) inequality and the struggle between the capitalist and proletarian classes produces crimes.  Class conflict determines what behaviors will be criminal.

 7.  Social Control Theories - Pressures in society cause people to engage in rule breaking behavior: poverty, unemployment, economic insecurity, drawn into it by subcultures, deviant groups, mass media portrayals, psychological pushes: feelings of hostility, rebellion, aggressiveness, immediate gratification.  Social bonding eliminates these.

C. Criminal Behavior Offenders

Who is likely to commit crimes-  People generally commit the types of crimes available to them.
     a. Sex
     b. Age
     c. race and ethnicity
     d. social class

D.  Sexual Deviance
 1. prostitution
 2. homosexuality

E.  Violence
 1. rape
 2.  gang violence
 3. carjacking

F.  White Collar Crime
 1. occupational crime
 2.  organizational crimes - to further to goals of a particular organization
 3. corporate crimes

G.  Drug Abuse
 

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