Difference between Deviance and Crime
Basis |
Deviance |
Crime |
---|---|---|
Meaning |
Behavior that goes against accepted social norms, morals, or expectations within a community or group is referred to as deviance. It involves behaviors or traits that don’t fit the mold of what is normal or appropriate. |
Behavior that is illegal and subject to legal sanctions is referred to as crime. It encompasses actions that, in a certain jurisdiction, are expressly listed as crimes. |
Legality |
Deviance includes actions that are seen socially objectionable or abnormal, yet may not violate the law, it need not always include criminal activity. |
Crime is by definition unlawful as it involves breaking rules and laws that have been put in place. |
Guiding Norm |
Social norms, which are accepted standards of conduct within a community or a particular group, define deviance. It differs throughout cultures and might evolve over time. |
Legal norms are codified rules and regulations established by a governing body, such the legislature or judiciary, to uphold social order and safeguard people’s rights and safety. These norms define crime. |
Subjectivity |
Because social standards and expectations might change across various groups or people within a community, deviation can be subjective. |
Since crime is determined by objective legal rules that are generally applicable within a jurisdiction, it is less subjective. |
Intentionality |
Deviant conduct may not always need a conscious effort to defy social standards. Numerous things, such as ignorance, nonconformity, or cultural differences, might cause it. |
Crime often entails deliberate acts or inactions that contravene accepted legal norms, suggesting a degree of criminal intent. |
Harm |
Deviant behavior may lead to stigma, social condemnation, or unofficial penalties from the group or community. Exclusion or marginalization may result from it. |
Legal repercussions for crime may include fines, jail time, probation, or other penalties enforced by the criminal justice system. |
Legislation |
Legislation does not define deviant behavior since it is not always associated with breaking the law. |
Legal legislation and regulations, which specify certain acts or omissions that qualify as criminal charges, codify crime. |
Legal Proceedings |
Legal action is not taken in cases of deviation unless it develops into criminal activity. It mostly entails handling conflicts or informal social reactions. |
Crime encompasses judicial processes carried out within the parameters of the criminal justice system, such as arrest, investigation, trial, and sentence. |
Example |
Deviant conduct can take many forms, such as small transgressions such as dressing code breaches or non-traditional lifestyles that go against the norm. |
Crimes can include everything from minor infractions like drug possession, theft, and assault to more serious ones like fraud, robbery, and murder. |
Difference between Deviance and Crime
Deviance and Crime are two concepts often intertwined but fundamentally distinct in the field of sociology and criminology. Deviance, in its most basic form, refers to “rule-breaking” behavior, particularly behavior that departs from a standard that is accepted in society or culture. Deviance is sometimes compared to crime, which is only an act of public wrongdoing. Crime denotes an illegal activity that should be condemned and punished by society since it affects not just the person but also the general population. There are many different kinds of crimes, including cybercrime, public safety violations, victimless crimes, white-collar crimes, personal crimes, and property crimes.
Table of Content
- What is Deviance?
- What is Crime?
- Difference between Deviance and Crime
- Conclusion
- Difference between Deviance and Crime- FAQs
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