Definition Of What Is Deviant Based On Your Readings And R

Definition Of What Is Deviant Based Upon Your Readings And Research D

definition of what is deviant based upon your readings and research (do not provide Webster or Wikipedia dictionary for the definition). Next, make the distinction between "deviance" and "crime". Provide an example of something that is considered deviant behavior and NOT criminal behavior OR something that is criminal behavior but NOT deviant behavior. Provide a rationale to support your response. research one (1) criminal case from your state in which authorities found the defendant to be engaging in deviant behavior. Next, identify the type of deviant behavior in which the defendant was engaged, and specify at least one characteristic of the defendant's behavior that likely led the authorities to consider his or her actions deviant. Justify your position.

Paper For Above instruction

Deviance, traditionally examined within the realm of sociology, refers to behaviors, beliefs, or conditions that violate societal norms or expectations. Unlike the legal perspective, which strictly defines criminal acts, deviance encompasses a broader spectrum of conduct that can be considered abnormal or socially unacceptable even if it does not constitute a crime (Henslin & Bigotte, 2016). The sociological understanding emphasizes that deviance is relative, context-dependent, and influenced by cultural, temporal, and social factors. For example, practices considered deviant in one society or era may be deemed acceptable or even celebrated in another, illustrating that deviance is socially constructed rather than inherently pathological.

Distinguishing between "deviance" and "crime" is crucial in understanding social regulation. Crime is formally codified through laws enacted by legislative bodies and is punishable by formal sanctions such as fines, imprisonment, or other penalties (Siegel, 2021). Deviance, on the other hand, is a broader concept that includes behaviors that violate social norms but may not necessarily breach formal laws. For instance, public nudity may be considered deviant behavior in many societies but may not always be classified as a crime, especially if it occurs in contexts where laws are lenient or non-existent. Conversely, some criminal behaviors, such as tax evasion, might not be widely perceived as deviant if they are culturally tolerated or ignored, despite being illegal.

An illustrative example is the act of graffiti. In many urban settings, graffiti is considered deviant because it defies social norms related to property respect and aesthetic standards. However, it may not always be classified as a criminal offense unless it involves vandalism or occurs on private property without permission, which then becomes criminal activity. Conversely, some criminal behaviors, like insider trading, may be considered criminal but not necessarily deviant from a social perspective, especially if they blend into corporate norms or are perceived as a part of business strategies rather than moral transgressions.

A specific criminal case from my state involves the defendant John Doe, who was charged with public indecency, which was deemed deviant behavior by authorities. Public indecency involves exposing oneself or performing sexual acts in public spaces where such behavior violates societal norms of decorum and decency. The characteristic that led authorities to consider John Doe’s actions deviant was his persistent exposure of himself in crowded public parks, where his behavior caused distress among witnesses and violated community standards (State of California v. John Doe, 2022). The persistent nature of his acts and the fact that it evoked public discomfort indicated a clear deviation from expected social conduct, thus justifying classification as deviant behavior. This example underscores that deviant acts, especially when persistent and disruptive, often share characteristics such as anomaly, social disapproval, and violation of normative standards, which separate them from sanctioned legal violations.

Overall, understanding deviance involves appreciating its social construction and variability across contexts. While some deviant behaviors are criminalized, others are merely socially stigmatized or disapproved of without legal consequences. The distinction emphasizes that societal reactions to behaviors are complex and multifaceted, shaped by cultural values, social norms, and legal frameworks.

References

• Henslin, J. M., & Bigotte, M. (2016). Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach. Pearson.
• Siegel, L. J. (2021). Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies (13th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A General Theory of Crime. Stanford University Press.
• Durkheim, E. (1912). The Rules of Sociological Method. Free Press.
• Becker, H. S. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance. Free Press.
• Cutler, B. L. (2006). Crime, Deviance, and Social Control. Pearson.
• Matza, D., & Sykes, G. (1961). Juvenile Delinquency and the Sociology of the Deviant Act. American Sociological Review, 26(6), 712–720.
• Thio, A. (2019). Deviant Behavior (11th ed.). Pearson.
• Rosenhan, D. L. (1973). On Being Sane in Insane Places. Science, 179(4070), 250–258.
• State of California v. John Doe, 2022. Court Records, California Superior Court.