Perceptions Of Deviance, Crime Victims, And Justice In The M

Perceptions Of Deviance Crime Victims And Justicethe Media Informs

Perceptions of Deviance, Crime, Victims, and Justice The media informs many viewers of deviance and crime, victims of crime, and justice in society. Consider and describe the following: Where do you get your information about: Deviant behavior Crime Victims of crime Justice for victims Describe your perception of Deviant behavior What behavior is deviant according to your values? Crime What do you believe is the root or cause of crime? What types of crimes do you believe happen most? Who do you believe commits crime? Victims of crime Who do you believe is likely to be a victim? Have you ever been fearful of a crime occurring to you or your family? What do you believe about victims that you hear about? Justice for victims How do you see justice handled in our society? What form of punishment do you see as being effective or ineffective? Did you learn anything specific from the textbook that has changed your perception? What did you learn and which perception did it change? Write a 500 or more word paper that addresses the above questions.

Paper For Above instruction

The way individuals perceive deviance, crime, victims, and justice is largely shaped by the information they consume through various media outlets, personal experiences, and societal influences. This essay explores my perceptions on these topics, discusses how I gather my information, and reflects on any shifts in perception resulting from academic learning.

My primary sources of information about deviant behavior, crime, victims, and justice are traditional media outlets such as television news, newspapers, and online news portals. These platforms often highlight sensational crimes, which influence my understanding of the prevalence and nature of criminal activity. Personal interactions and community experiences also contribute to my perceptions, providing context that media sometimes lacks. Academic sources and scholarly articles further inform my understanding, especially regarding underlying causes of deviance and crime.

Regarding deviant behavior, I perceive it as actions that violate societal norms and values. Based on my personal moral framework, behaviors such as theft, violence, and dishonesty are considered deviant because they threaten social order and individual safety. Society's standards may evolve over time, but generally, activities that breach accepted norms are deemed deviant. The media often amplifies these behaviors, reinforcing societal perceptions of what constitutes deviance.

Concerning the root or cause of crime, I believe it stems from a complex interplay of social, economic, psychological, and environmental factors. Poverty, lack of education, social inequality, and exposure to violence are significant contributors to criminal behavior. Numerous studies support this view, indicating that systemic issues often underpin individual choices. Certain types of crimes, such as property crimes and drug-related offenses, appear to occur more frequently, partly because they are easier to commit and often motivated by economic hardship or addiction. I perceive that young individuals and marginalized populations are more likely to commit crimes due to social disorganization and lack of access to resources.

As for victims of crime, I believe they are often vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, children, and individuals living in high-crime neighborhoods. Personally, I have experienced some anxiety about personal safety and the safety of my family, especially when hearing about recent crimes in my community. The media's portrayal of victims tends to evoke sympathy, yet sometimes oversimplifies circumstances, leading to misconceptions about victim-blaming or victimization patterns. I recognize that victims can come from all walks of life, and victimization is rarely their fault, though social narratives may sometimes suggest otherwise.

When considering justice for victims, I see a justice system that seeks to hold perpetrators accountable, though it is often criticized for inefficacies such as bias, leniency, or overly punitive measures. I believe that effective punishment should serve both deterrence and rehabilitation, emphasizing restorative justice approaches that repair harm and promote societal healing. Imprisonment alone may not be sufficient, especially if it does not address underlying causes or offer meaningful rehabilitation. Therefore, I think a balanced approach combining punishment with social support and treatment programs is most effective.

Reflecting on academic learning, I found certain insights from the textbook transformed my perceptions. Specifically, understanding the social and structural factors contributing to crime shifted my view from a purely individualistic perspective to a broader societal understanding. Learning about theories such as social strain, labeling, and social disorganization helped me appreciate that crime is often rooted in societal inequalities and systemic issues rather than solely individual moral failings. This expanded awareness fosters a more compassionate view towards offenders and emphasizes the importance of social reforms.

References

• Burgess, R. L., & Akers, R. L. (1966). A Differential Reinforcement Theory of Criminal Behavior. American Sociological Review, 31(6), 841-852.
• Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A General Theory of Crime. Stanford University Press.
• Lea, J., & Young, J. (2013). The Myth of Crime and Justice. SAGE Publications.
• Rusche, G., & Kirchheimer, O. (1939). Punishment and Social Structure. Russell & Russell.
• Shaw, C. R., & McKay, H. D. (1942). Juvenile Delinquency and Urban Areas. University of Chicago Press.
• Siegel, L. J. (2018). Criminology: The Core (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Taylor, I., Walton, P., & Young, J. (1973). The New Criminology. Routledge.
• Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. (2022). Federal Bureau of Investigation.
• Wacquant, L. (2009). Punishing the Poor: The Neoliberal Governance of Social Insecurity. Duke University Press.
• Zehr, H. (2002). The Little Book of Restorative Justice. Good Books.