SOCIOLOGY

Sociology

Sociology

The paper discusses the difference of crime and deviance and also discusses how crime and deviance varies over time and place. Furthermore, it also provides the method of measuring crime and its extent.

Crime and Deviance

Deviance is considered as a behavior which violates social norms and is of sufficient severity to necessitate disapproval from the majority in the society. Deviance can be criminal or non criminal. Deviation is defined as the prospect of someone is violating or transgressing a cultural norm. Deviation in all cases involves a deliberate action or a deliberate choice and in some cases the existence of one or more individuals is considered as deviation (Simons et al, 1991, p. 645). The sociological control that deals with crime is known as criminology or criminal behavior system. At present, American consider activities such as excessive gambling, alcoholism, stealing, being nude in public places, refusing to bath, lying, cross-dressing and buying the services of prostitutes are considered as deviant. People who are engaged in deviant behavior are known as deviants (Harding, 2009, p. 445). On the basis of a sociological understanding of the nature of crime, it is important to note the following:

Crime and other forms of deviance is complex and are based on unusual relationships. For example, in 70s, elevated levels of alcoholism in the population were accompanied by reduced levels of crime and vice versa (Vazsonyi, Lloyd, 2003, 115). In addition, divorce murder and suicide, alcoholism and drug addiction also showed negative and positive deviation.

Crime and other forms of deviance are based on cause and effect such as no drinking or drug addiction is considered as cause of crime and the social phenomena existing, emerging changes under the influence of certain economic, social, political, demographic and other factors (Giordano, 2010, p. nd).

Common factors affecting the state level, the structure and dynamics of crime, the level and dynamics of drug addiction and alcoholism in the population, the extent of corruption, prostitution and suicide behavior allows to develop a common strategic direction for anti-spam community events at least at the level of general social prevention (Dornbusch et al, 2001, 396).

Crime and deviance vary among different cultures from one social context to another and this can be also viewed in history (Knoester, Dana, 2005, p. 767). Deviance and crime are socially constructed and defined on the basis of characteristics of individuals and actions.

Deviance and crime over time and place

Deviance concept is complex because norms vary to a considerable extent across times, places and groups. This can be explained as what some people consider acceptable while others may consider it deviant. This can be also explained by example that in some parts of Malaysia, Muslim Africa and Indonesia women are circumcised. This process is known as infibulations which include sewing shut the labia and cutting of clitoris without giving any anesthesia. The concept of female circumcision or genital mutilation in America is unthinkable (Knoester, Dana, 2005, p. 767). Female mutilation is done in unsanitary conditions which lead to infections and it is done deliberately ...