What is Crime?

 How has society’s view and the criminal law changed over time in respect of:

nPoor children who steal a loaf of bread? – Society will generally have pity as they’re young and poor.

nHomosexuality? – No longer a crime, and society accept homosexuals more.

nDrinking and driving? – Crime as it can be dangerous towards yourself and others.

nChild abuse? – More strict now than before – it’s not illegal to give your child a smack but it’s not seen as socially acceptable.

 

 How do different societies view the following?

nCarrying of firearms? – It’s acceptable for police in most societies however not for normal people in places like the UK. Where as in the USA it’s seen as protection of yourself.

nWomen wearing what they like in public? – In the UK it’s seen as acceptable as everyone has different tastes, where as in countries like India this is seen as completely disrespectful to those around you.

nFreedom of expression in terms of religion? – In countries like Dubai everyone has to follow strict rules e.g. Women have to cover their bodies, fasting at certain times of the year etc. In the UK we have many different religions as we’re a multi-cultural society and so expressing your religious views is acceptable.

 

 Summary

nCrime is a deviation from the norms of a society that the state decides is an offence against it

nWhat is perceived as crime changes over time

nWhat is perceived as crime varies from place to place

nTherefore crime is socially determined, and so are its causes

 

 Social Disorganization Theory

nThis suggests that neighbourhoods plagued with poverty and economic deprivation tend to experience high rates of population turnover.

nThese neighbourhoods also tend to have high population diversity.

nWith high turnover, informal social structure often fails to develop, which in turn makes it difficult to maintain social order in a community.