Lesson 6 Deviance and Social Control

Learning objectives for Chapter 6

What are the key ideas concerning deviance from the stand point of Conflict Theory, Functionalist Theory, and Symbolic Interactionalist Theory?

Explain “deviance is relative”

Consider the many explanations of deviance.

What are the some of the reactions by deviants to their own behavior?

When is deviance beneficial for society?

What does social class have to do with crime?

Know Merton's strain theory and his typologies of adaptation.

What are some of the characteristics of those who are imprisoned?

Vocabulary to learn from Chapter 6

arrest

blue-collar crime or street crime

conformity

control theory

conviction

criminal justice system

death penalty: the pros and cons

deviance

differential association theory

felony

labeling theory

illegitimate opportunity theory

incarceration

mass murder

medicalization of deviance

misdemeanor

negative sanctions

norms in social life

official statistics

serial murder

white-collar crime

Discussion

Sometimes the fear of crime can be as harmful as the crime itself. Although fear is useful if it encourages appropriate protection. But experiencing needless fear over a long period of time can be harmful to one's physical and mental health.

Crime against oneself at any age is traumatic. Women and the elderly may feel that they are more vulnerable to crime in that they feel less able to protect themselves from violet predators than are men or younger people.  Research suggests that women, when compared to men, take far more precautions to protect themselves: less likely to be on the streets at night, use of "tactics" (like wearing shoes that are better for running in) when needing to be on the street, more likely to have a companion with them when going out, and carefully choosing the best seat on a bus.

This gender difference in preparation for being on the streets mirrors the violent nature of crimes, specifically of the crime of rape, that women perceive as a real threat (some estimates now put the possibility of a woman in the U.S. of being raped at 40% at some time in her lifetime---but most of those rapes will be by a person the victim knows). Unfortunately, rape is not a crime that is limited to a narrow range of ages: the reported youngest victim was 4 months old, the oldest was 96 years old.

Crime Prevention --

AT HOME the best crime prevention measure is to lock doors and windows. Almost half of all home and apartment burglaries occur because someone did not "lock up."

-Use common sense, when answering the door. For example look through the peephole or ask the visitor to identify himself or herself before you unlock it.

-Mark valuable property by engraving it with your Social Security number, driver's license, or state identification number.

-Make a photo list of the valuables in your home and keep in a safe deposit box at the bank.

-Install quality security equipment so your locks, doors, and windows cannot be broken into easily.

-Many police departments have staff members they can send out to evaluate your home and make recommendations.

ON THE STREET Walk with a friend when you go out, even in your neighborhood, and beware of places where crime can occur. Avoid dark parking lots or alleys.

-Avoid dressing in a showy manner.

-Carry little cash and hand it over without question if you are attacked.

-If possible, do not carry a purse. Put your money and credit cards or wallet in an inside pocket.

-Have monthly pension or Social Security benefits on direct deposit rather than having the check sent to your home.

IN TRAVEL Avoid traveling alone, when ever and wherever possible. "Safety in numbers" is very important when touring and vacationing.

CON GAMES The con artist may, for example, pose as a bank examiner and request that you withdraw, and temporarily turn over to him or her, money from your bank account. The swindler convinces you that this is all part of a "test" the bank is conducting to uncover a dishonest bank employee. Don't draw money from your bank at the suggestion of a stranger. Do report the incident to the bank manager at once.

CONSUMER FRAUD The following are common schemes you should watch for:

-Health insurance policies that appear to pay gaps in Medicare coverage -- but don't. Check the policy with your state insurance commission, a lawyer, or Better Business Bureau before spending money.

-Glasses or hearing aids sold at bargain rates by unlicensed salespersons. Ask your doctor's advice if you need to purchase a sight or hearing appliance.

-Products advertised as miracle cures. This is known as "health quackery." Don't buy any product advertised to treat a condition that medical science has not yet found a cure for.

-Contributions to charity. Make sure the money goes to a legitimate charity. Find out how much of the money will actually go to the charity and how much is used for expenses.

-Home Repair frauds. Do not agree to let someone who is "just driving by" work on your home. Shop around before you spend money on home improvements.

-Door-to-door salespersons. Ask the person to come back another day. This will give you time to call your local Better Business Bureau to check out an unfamiliar company.

Suitability when Investing:

Licensed and ethical investment advisors require the investment they are suggesting to you be "suitable" to your needs, not just great "commission-payers" to themselves.

Always demand a thorough explanation of the proposed investment, all sales literature, and a prospectus (an outline of the main features of the investment).

Ask what the investment will do for you based on not only expected (or hoped for) rate of return, but also on the basis of the potential tax consequence, how it will affect your estate in the event of your death, and how easily you can change the investment back to cash.

"If it's too good to be true, it probably is!"

"If it's good today -- it'll still be good tomorrow."

Conservator (Guardianship) Scams

Over the past couple of decades, concern has increased over the improper use of guardianships by well-intentioned individuals as well as guardian businesses springing up.

Conservatorship and Guardianships are means of helping persons who are not able to help themselves. If a person can, and wants to handle his own affairs, these legal means may be harmful. To avoid this possible problem, proper estate planning, such as wills and trusts, should be implemented.

House Sitters

Although it is a terrible thing, some burglars time their visits with your emotionally trying times. These people watch for obituaries listing survivors and the time of the funeral. While you are away, they strike.

Ask friends and the police to watch over your home while you are away. These burglars have also hit during marriage celebrations, so be especially careful during either of these two events.

What You Can Do

Police estimate that more than half of all crimes go unreported. Victims should not be embarrassed or frightened about calling the police. Reporting crime can let the police know where problems are in your neighborhood and will encourage better protection in the future.

Movies assigned

Chapter 6 Deviance

Videos that you can rent which are based upon some of the principles of this lesson:

My cousin Vinnie  (criminal justice system)

Justice at Nuremberg

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Runaway Jury

Moby Dick