The social norms, rules and regulations that society creates affect the lives of humans. Anthony Giddens argues that there is another side to this story. These are the rules and norms that are violated Giddens 1989. A crime is an offense against the law that results in punishment. A crime is when someone sells drugs abroad to make money and support their family. A serial killer from the working class who murders an elderly lady at a bus station in pursuit of financial gain or thrill seeking is another example. Some people are not prosecuted for committing crimes and some people have not been charged. The severity of the crime is different, so it is not a singular case. This shows that different people get different treatment. A black man who is caught in criminal activity would most likely end up in prison and never be seen again. It does not mean that someone with light skin is immune to crime. It is more common for police to target those living in the poorest areas. Becker said that police had to work within preconceptions and stereotypes about what was considered troublesome. This proves that it isn’t a measured behavior. The police would not stop a group a women who drinks and has fun outside of an event building. They would have found amusement in the company of the women. This is a sign that not everyone is treated equally.
Deviance, however, is difficult to define in sociological terms. Rock and Downes say that deviance is a prohibited behavior or known to attract punishment. You can face severe punishment for such behaviours as murder and/or rape. Deviance is usually concealed and kept secret from the public. Therefore, it is often devious and undercover. You may find it hidden in your normal surroundings, such as at work, or at home. Douglas Vinter (39) was convicted for stabbing and strangling the wife of his serial killer. He was released three years later. He was an ordinary family man who in private committed his wife’s murder. This was not all. He was able not only to act normally but also appear innocent. Because he was not caught, no one would suspect him. This is an example of how a deviant behavior can be seen as normal, but may not be recognized as such. Sociologists believe deviance and crime are socially constructed. This is often done through the ruling classes. This is often done by the ruling class. Howard Becker said that deviant acts can be defined as those who have been labeled. It is how people respond to the actions that make something deviant. One example is a well-known person being caught in crime. It is almost like giving someone a name. A person who is proficient at labelling something makes it deviant. Cultures have their own definitions of what labelling means. A person being called a deviant is an act of retaliation for a particular action. According to labelling theorists, a labelling individual causes negative feelings and results by labelling them as criminals. It reinforces their criminal behavior due to the more severe effects of labelling. Marxists consider crime to be an impossible part because it is the result of social inequality. The working class is a victim of labour exploitation. Therefore, theft and robbery are acts of the working classes against the upper class. Chambliss said that crimes are defined according to the interests and power of the ruling elite. According to the political structure of the society, crime can differ from one society to another. Durkheim stated, “Crime is an inevitable part of society” because it is not possible for everyone to adhere to the same set of values and norms. Deviance is a good thing for society. It gives us a better understanding of right and wrong and allows us to make changes in our society. Because it awakens people to the problems around the globe, crime can help society grow and change.
Durkheim says that the deviance of others can be a way to release stress within society. Too much crime can be detrimental to society.
If people don’t remember their values and morals daily, they can become useless and wasteful. As with building new habits and muscles. This could serve as a reminder to society that there are limits to what is right and what is wrong. Deviance and crime can serve as an alarm that warns society of problems and helps it address them. One example is the high rate of rape, addiction, and drug use. Another example would be the media’s ability to remind people about the current events around the world. The media can make people angry and outraged by hearing about the negative aspects of life. This unites the people and society into a set of social norms, values and awareness.
