Maths
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Responding to change (a2 only)
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Cell biology
Biological molecules
Organisation
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The control of gene expression (a2 only)
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
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Show all topics
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
The cold war
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
Inter-war germany
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
2j america: a nation divided, c1845-1877
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
Criminology
7 Oct 2025
1,131
3 pages
Crime and deviance in sociology: Understanding legal and social definitions
This guide explores the complex relationship between crime... Show more
This page delves deeper into the cultural variations in defining crime and deviance, emphasizing the challenges in creating universal definitions.
Cultural Variations in Crime
The definition of crime varies significantly across different cultures and legal systems.
Example Cannabis use is illegal in the UK but legal or decriminalized in other countries, illustrating how the concept of crime can differ globally.
Cultural Perspectives on Deviance
What is considered deviant behavior can vary greatly depending on cultural norms and values.
Highlight Acts that are seen as deviant in one culture may be perfectly acceptable or even encouraged in another.
Formal and Informal Sanctions Against Deviance
Society employs both formal and informal methods to discourage deviant behavior.
Definition
- Formal sanctions against deviance may include warnings or dismissals from work, or exclusion from school.
- Informal sanctions can range from verbal reprimands to social ostracism.
Example Informal sanctions might include staring, mocking, or ignoring someone who has violated social norms.
The Intersection of Crime and Deviance
Some acts are considered both criminal and deviant across most cultures.
Example Domestic abuse, murder, and hate crimes are generally viewed as both criminal and deviant in most societies.
This page reinforces the importance of understanding cultural context when studying crime and deviance in sociology. It highlights the fluid nature of these concepts and how they can vary across different societies and legal systems.
This final page emphasizes the difficulties in creating universal definitions for crime and deviance due to cultural, age-related, and geographical variations.
Contextual Nature of Crime and Deviance
The perception of what constitutes a crime or deviant behavior can change based on various factors.
Highlight Age, culture, and location all play significant roles in determining whether an act is considered criminal or deviant.
Examples of Acts Considered Both Criminal and Deviant
Some behaviors are widely recognized as both criminal and socially unacceptable across many cultures.
Example Murder, theft, and assault are generally viewed as both criminal and deviant in most societies.
Variations in Perceptions
Even for acts that are widely considered criminal, there can be cultural variations in how they are perceived and dealt with.
Example The use and possession of cannabis may be viewed differently across various cultures and legal systems.
This page concludes the guide by reinforcing the complex and often subjective nature of defining crime and deviance. It emphasizes the importance of considering multiple perspectives when studying these concepts in sociology and criminology.
This page explores the social and legal definitions of criminal behavior, highlighting the complexities in defining crime. It also introduces the concept of deviance and its relationship to social norms.
Social Definition of Criminal Behaviour
The social definition of crime is influenced by public perception, law enforcement priorities, and the law-making process.
Example Speeding is legally a crime, but minor infractions are often not viewed as criminal by the public.
Highlight Law enforcement may prioritize certain crimes over others, such as focusing less on white-collar crimes due to their complexity.
Legal Definition of Criminal Behaviour
The legal definition of crime is based on actions that violate criminal law and can result in punishment.
Vocabulary
- Actus reus The guilty act itself
- Mens rea The guilty mind or intention behind the act
- Strict liability Cases where the act alone is sufficient for conviction
Example Common criminal acts include murder, drug offenses, assault, theft, and rape.
Formal Sanctions Against Criminals
The legal system imposes formal sanctions on criminals through courts and police actions.
Definition Formal sanctions include community sentences (probation, fines, community service) and custodial sentences (prison, young offenders institutions).
Deviance Beyond Legal Boundaries
Deviance refers to acts that violate social norms but may not necessarily be illegal.
Vocabulary
- Norms Specific rules or social standards that guide behavior
- Values General principles on how to live our lives
- Moral codes Set of rules and principles held by society
Example Swearing, not following dress codes, or eating with hands in certain cultures can be considered deviant behaviors.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
28
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the key themes, narrative structure, and character roles in 'Slumdog Millionaire'. This fact file covers corruption, social class, and the film's production context, providing insights into its non-linear storytelling and character dynamics. Ideal for film studies students seeking a comprehensive understanding of this award-winning film.
Media StudiesExplore how laws are shaped by culture, time, and place in this criminology study note. Understand the social construction of crime, including examples of polygamy, adultery, and drug laws. Learn about the factors influencing legal changes and the application of laws, including moral panics and typification. Ideal for criminology students preparing for exams.
CriminologyExplore the biological theories of criminality, including somatotypes, genetic inheritance, and twin studies. This summary covers key concepts such as Sheldon's somatotypes, Lombroso's atavistic features, and the impact of genetics on criminal behavior. Ideal for students studying criminology and psychology.
CriminologyExplore the strengths and weaknesses of labelling theory in criminology, focusing on its impact on criminal behaviour and societal perceptions. This summary highlights how labelling can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies and the role of media in shaping public perceptions of crime. Ideal for students studying criminology theories and their implications on crime and deviance.
CriminologySave this midyear study guide for help on any exam! Good for studying, notes, answers to your homework etc
Fun StuffExplore the social construction of criminality through cultural variations in laws, differential law enforcement, and historical changes. This summary covers key concepts such as polygamy, adultery, homosexuality, and drug laws, highlighting how societal norms and values shape legal definitions and enforcement. Ideal for students studying crime and deviance, this resource provides insights into the complexities of legal systems and their evolution over time.
CriminologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Criminology
7 Oct 2025
1,131
3 pages
Crime and deviance in sociology: Understanding legal and social definitions
This guide explores the complex relationship between crime and deviance, examining their legal and social definitions, and the formal... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page delves deeper into the cultural variations in defining crime and deviance, emphasizing the challenges in creating universal definitions.
Cultural Variations in Crime
The definition of crime varies significantly across different cultures and legal systems.
Example Cannabis use is illegal in the UK but legal or decriminalized in other countries, illustrating how the concept of crime can differ globally.
Cultural Perspectives on Deviance
What is considered deviant behavior can vary greatly depending on cultural norms and values.
Highlight Acts that are seen as deviant in one culture may be perfectly acceptable or even encouraged in another.
Formal and Informal Sanctions Against Deviance
Society employs both formal and informal methods to discourage deviant behavior.
Definition
- Formal sanctions against deviance may include warnings or dismissals from work, or exclusion from school.
- Informal sanctions can range from verbal reprimands to social ostracism.
Example Informal sanctions might include staring, mocking, or ignoring someone who has violated social norms.
The Intersection of Crime and Deviance
Some acts are considered both criminal and deviant across most cultures.
Example Domestic abuse, murder, and hate crimes are generally viewed as both criminal and deviant in most societies.
This page reinforces the importance of understanding cultural context when studying crime and deviance in sociology. It highlights the fluid nature of these concepts and how they can vary across different societies and legal systems.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This final page emphasizes the difficulties in creating universal definitions for crime and deviance due to cultural, age-related, and geographical variations.
Contextual Nature of Crime and Deviance
The perception of what constitutes a crime or deviant behavior can change based on various factors.
Highlight Age, culture, and location all play significant roles in determining whether an act is considered criminal or deviant.
Examples of Acts Considered Both Criminal and Deviant
Some behaviors are widely recognized as both criminal and socially unacceptable across many cultures.
Example Murder, theft, and assault are generally viewed as both criminal and deviant in most societies.
Variations in Perceptions
Even for acts that are widely considered criminal, there can be cultural variations in how they are perceived and dealt with.
Example The use and possession of cannabis may be viewed differently across various cultures and legal systems.
This page concludes the guide by reinforcing the complex and often subjective nature of defining crime and deviance. It emphasizes the importance of considering multiple perspectives when studying these concepts in sociology and criminology.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page explores the social and legal definitions of criminal behavior, highlighting the complexities in defining crime. It also introduces the concept of deviance and its relationship to social norms.
Social Definition of Criminal Behaviour
The social definition of crime is influenced by public perception, law enforcement priorities, and the law-making process.
Example Speeding is legally a crime, but minor infractions are often not viewed as criminal by the public.
Highlight Law enforcement may prioritize certain crimes over others, such as focusing less on white-collar crimes due to their complexity.
Legal Definition of Criminal Behaviour
The legal definition of crime is based on actions that violate criminal law and can result in punishment.
Vocabulary
- Actus reus The guilty act itself
- Mens rea The guilty mind or intention behind the act
- Strict liability Cases where the act alone is sufficient for conviction
Example Common criminal acts include murder, drug offenses, assault, theft, and rape.
Formal Sanctions Against Criminals
The legal system imposes formal sanctions on criminals through courts and police actions.
Definition Formal sanctions include community sentences (probation, fines, community service) and custodial sentences (prison, young offenders institutions).
Deviance Beyond Legal Boundaries
Deviance refers to acts that violate social norms but may not necessarily be illegal.
Vocabulary
- Norms Specific rules or social standards that guide behavior
- Values General principles on how to live our lives
- Moral codes Set of rules and principles held by society
Example Swearing, not following dress codes, or eating with hands in certain cultures can be considered deviant behaviors.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
28
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the key themes, narrative structure, and character roles in 'Slumdog Millionaire'. This fact file covers corruption, social class, and the film's production context, providing insights into its non-linear storytelling and character dynamics. Ideal for film studies students seeking a comprehensive understanding of this award-winning film.
Media StudiesExplore how laws are shaped by culture, time, and place in this criminology study note. Understand the social construction of crime, including examples of polygamy, adultery, and drug laws. Learn about the factors influencing legal changes and the application of laws, including moral panics and typification. Ideal for criminology students preparing for exams.
CriminologyExplore the biological theories of criminality, including somatotypes, genetic inheritance, and twin studies. This summary covers key concepts such as Sheldon's somatotypes, Lombroso's atavistic features, and the impact of genetics on criminal behavior. Ideal for students studying criminology and psychology.
CriminologyExplore the strengths and weaknesses of labelling theory in criminology, focusing on its impact on criminal behaviour and societal perceptions. This summary highlights how labelling can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies and the role of media in shaping public perceptions of crime. Ideal for students studying criminology theories and their implications on crime and deviance.
CriminologySave this midyear study guide for help on any exam! Good for studying, notes, answers to your homework etc
Fun StuffExplore the social construction of criminality through cultural variations in laws, differential law enforcement, and historical changes. This summary covers key concepts such as polygamy, adultery, homosexuality, and drug laws, highlighting how societal norms and values shape legal definitions and enforcement. Ideal for students studying crime and deviance, this resource provides insights into the complexities of legal systems and their evolution over time.
CriminologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
