Deviance and Crime: Understanding the Relationship

What is the difference between deviance and crime?

Deviance becomes a crime when it violates a society's formal laws.

Answer:

The difference between deviance and crime lies in the legal aspect. Deviance refers to behaviors that do not conform to societal norms and values, while crime specifically refers to behaviors that violate formal laws established by a society.

Deviance is a broad concept that encompasses any behavior, belief, or condition that strays from societal expectations. It can range from minor infractions, such as not following dress codes, to more serious transgressions, such as substance abuse or theft. Deviance is essentially a social construct, meaning that what is considered deviant can vary from culture to culture.

On the other hand, crime is a legal concept that refers to behaviors deemed harmful to society and punishable by law. Crimes are formally defined in legislation and enforced by the criminal justice system. Unlike deviance, which is relative and subject to interpretation, crime is more concrete and objective in nature.

While all crimes are deviant behaviors, not all deviant behaviors are considered crimes. Deviance only becomes a crime when it crosses the line of legality and violates established laws. This distinction is crucial in understanding the relationship between deviance and crime and the role of societal norms in shaping behavior.