Words On Perceptions Of Deviance, Crime Victims, And Justice

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Describe your perceptions of deviance, crime, victims of crime, and justice in society. Consider where you obtain your information about deviant behavior, crime, victims, and justice, and how this influences your perceptions. Reflect on your understanding of deviant behavior: what behaviors do you consider deviant based on your values? Think about the root causes of crime—what do you believe leads individuals to commit crimes? Identify which types of crimes you believe are most prevalent and who you think the typical offenders are. Regarding victims, consider who is most likely to become a victim of crime, and whether you have ever been fearful of crime affecting yourself or your family. Share your perceptions about victims based on what you have heard or learned. Examine how justice is administered in society; what forms of punishment do you believe are effective or ineffective for offenders? Also, consider if your understanding has been influenced or changed by academic sources or the textbook, and specify what perceptions have shifted as a result.

Paper For Above instruction

Perceptions of deviance, crime, victims, and justice are deeply shaped by individual experiences, societal influences, and media consumption. My primary sources of information include news outlets, social media platforms, academic readings, and personal observations. These sources influence how I perceive each aspect of society's response to deviance and criminal behavior.

My perception of deviant behavior aligns with societal norms; behaviors that violate accepted standards of morality or legality are considered deviant. For instance, theft, violence, and dishonesty are perceived as deviant because they disrupt social harmony. According to my values, actions such as cheating or lying may also be viewed as deviant, especially when they harm others or violate trust. The degree of deviation often depends on cultural and societal contexts, but generally, behaviors that threaten safety or morality are seen as deviant.

Regarding the root causes of crime, I believe that multiple factors contribute, including socioeconomic disparities, lack of education, family instability, mental health issues, and peer influence. Poverty and lack of opportunity can lead individuals to commit crimes as a means of survival or out of frustration. I think that most crimes are committed by individuals seeking economic gain or reacting to personal grievances. Violent crimes, theft, drug offenses, and cybercrimes appear to be the most common, reflecting both social frustrations and technological advances.

In terms of who commits crimes, I tend to see offenders as often marginalized individuals—those facing socio-economic disadvantages or mental health challenges. However, I recognize that perpetrators can come from all walks of life, including middle and upper classes, especially in cases of white-collar crimes. My perceptions are shaped by media reports that often highlight crimes committed by marginalized groups, which may lead to stereotyping.

Victims of crime are often perceived as individuals vulnerable due to their age, gender, or socioeconomic status. I believe that certain populations—such as the elderly, women, and low-income neighborhoods—are more likely to be targeted. Personally, I have experienced a moment of fear when news reports of burglaries or assaults appeared near my community, which heightened my awareness and concern about safety for myself and my family.

From what I hear and observe, victims are often portrayed as passive recipients of violence or theft. I believe society tends to sympathize with victims, but there can be a tendency to blame victims in some cases, particularly in sexual assault or domestic violence scenarios, which can influence public perception.

Justice in society appears to be a mix of punitive and rehabilitative measures. I believe that punitive measures—like imprisonment—are necessary but often inadequate in addressing the root causes of crime. Effective justice, in my view, should include social programs, education, and mental health support to reduce recidivism. Imposing harsh punishments without addressing underlying issues may be ineffective in the long term.

Learning from the textbook clarified the importance of restorative justice approaches, emphasizing repairing harm and reintegrating offenders into society. This broadened my perspective, making me reconsider the effectiveness of purely punitive measures and view justice as a complex process that should incorporate restorative principles to serve both victims and society.

References

• Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A General Theory of Crime. Stanford University Press.
• Schwartz, M. S. (2017). Deviance and Crime: Readings in Sociology. Routledge.
• Siegel, L. J. (2018). Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies. Cengage Learning.
• Maruna, S. (2013). Making Good: How Ex-Convicts Reform and Rebuild Their Lives. American Psychological Association.
• Klockars, A., & Corman, H. (2016). Social learning theory and criminal behavior. Journal of Criminal Justice.
• Sherman, L. W. (2013). Restorative justice: The evidence. The Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology, 103(4), 813-825.
• Hagan, J. (2012). Society and Crime: A Textbook for Criminal Justice. SAGE Publications.
• Farrall, S., & Maruna, S. (2019). Rehabilitation and desistance from crime. Criminology & Criminal Justice, 19(3), 293-301.
• Rajan, S., & Rosenfeld, R. (2020). The criminal justice system: An overview. Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 16, 419-436.
• Tonry, M. (2019). The Rethinking Crime and Punishment Initiative. Crime and Justice, 48(1), 1-54.