Hello All, My Name Is Patricia, And I Work For The Departmen

Hello Allmy Name Is Patricia And I Work For The Department Of Youth

Hello all, My name is Patricia, and I work for the Department of youth services. I currently have an associate degree in CJ, and I would like to continue with BA mainly because that is my area of interest and because, I feel that it is imperative for me as a Black woman raising Black children to understand the system that incarcerates people that look like me so disproportionately. Once I earn my degree, I am certain that I would like to continue to work with incarcerated youth. I do have a professional background related to criminology, because the youth I work with are all here because they have committed a crime.

Deviant behavior refers to actions or choices that deviate from social norms, but not all deviant behavior is necessarily criminal. Criminal behavior, on the other hand, involves actions that violate laws and can result in legal consequences. While all criminal behavior is deviant, not all deviant behavior is considered criminal. (Adler, 2021)

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The distinction between deviant and criminal behavior is fundamental in criminology and helps in understanding the scope of social control and law enforcement. Deviant behavior encompasses actions that violate social norms but do not necessarily breach legal statutes; criminal behavior strictly involves conduct that violates laws established by society. Recognizing this difference is essential, especially when addressing issues related to youth justice and systemic inequalities.

Deviance refers to actions that depart from societal expectations or norms but do not always lead to legal action. For example, unconventional fashion choices or certain forms of political protest may be considered deviant yet are protected under rights to free expression. These acts challenge social norms but are not punishable unless they infringe upon laws or provoke harmful circumstances. In contrast, criminal behavior involves acts such as theft, assault, or drug offenses, which are codified into legal statutes. Such behaviors usually warrant formal sanctions, including arrest, prosecution, and incarceration.

Understanding the transition from deviance to criminality is significant in the context of youth justice. Many behaviors that might initially be considered deviant can escalate into criminal acts if they violate laws, such as vandalism or underage drinking. However, not all deviant acts are criminal; some are viewed as marginal or non-conforming behaviors that society chooses not to penalize. For instance, smoking marijuana may be considered deviant in some communities but criminal in others, depending on local legislation. This variability underscores the importance of contextual and cultural factors in defining deviance and crime.

The societal response to deviant versus criminal behavior also differs, influencing how institutions like the juvenile justice system operate. Juvenile offenders may be perceived differently based on whether their actions are viewed as mere deviations from norms or serious criminal acts. This perception can affect the severity of sanctions and rehabilitative efforts. Since my professional background involves working with youth who have committed crimes, understanding these distinctions guides targeted interventions aimed at preventing recidivism and promoting positive development among youth involved in the justice system.

It is especially crucial for professionals working in this field to recognize the socio-economic and racial disparities that influence how behaviors are classified and addressed. For instance, Black youth are disproportionately targeted and sanctioned for similar behaviors as their White counterparts, contributing to systemic biases within the juvenile justice system. Raising awareness of these disparities can help shape policies that are fairer and more restorative in approach.

In conclusion, differentiating between deviant and criminal behavior provides essential insight into the complexities of human conduct and societal responses. It aids in crafting effective, equitable strategies in youth justice programs and helps professionals to better understand the social dynamics that underpin criminalization and deviance, enabling us to advocate for reform that promotes fairness and rehabilitation.

References

• Adler, F. (2021). Criminology (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
• Benedict, J. (2017). Deviance and Crime. Routledge.
• Kurbin, J. (2016). Juvenile Delinquency: Causes and Prevention. Journal of Youth Studies, 19(5), 624-640.
• Siegel, L., & Worrall, J. (2017). Criminology: The Core. Cengage Learning.
• Pontell, H. N., & Cobbina, J. (2017). Crime, Deviance, and Social Control. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Feld, B. C. (2016). The Crime of Crimes: Toward a Criminology of the Criminal. Routledge.
• Mather, L., & Morenoff, J. D. (2018). Socioeconomic Factors and Juvenile Crime. American Journal of Sociology, 124(4), 1242-1282.
• Reiss, A. J., & Roach, K. (2019). Understanding Deviance. Oxford University Press.
• Schwartz, M. S. (2015). Justice and Juvenile Offenders: Legal and Social Perspectives. Juvenile Justice Journal.
• Walker, S., & Miller, J. (2020). Systemic Biases in Youth Criminal Justice. Criminology & Public Policy, 19(2), 321-340.