Comparing Criminal Behaviour and Deviance
This section delves into the fundamental concepts of deviance and criminal behavior, essential for understanding WJEC Criminology Unit 3 revision.
Deviance is defined as behavior that differs from society's norms, while criminal behavior is specifically prohibited by law. The text explores the nuances between these concepts, highlighting that actions can be deviant but not criminal, criminal but not deviant, or both.
Definition: Norms are rules or expectations of what is right and wrong in society.
The guide introduces three types of deviant behavior:
- Good but unusual behavior (e.g., running into a burning building)
- Unusual behavior (e.g., shopping in a dressing gown)
- Disapproving behavior (e.g., intentionally causing harm to others)
Highlight: The concept of sanctions is introduced as a way society rewards or punishes behaviors, categorized as formal or informal.
The text also explores the social and legal definitions of criminal behavior, emphasizing the factors that influence people's views on what constitutes a crime.
Example: Illegal downloading is presented as a behavior that people in society may have differing views about its criminality.
The concepts of actus reus (illegal behavior) and mens rea (criminal intention) are introduced as key components in defining criminal acts.
Vocabulary: Actus reus refers to the physical act of committing a crime, while mens rea refers to the mental state or intent behind the act.
The page concludes with examples of criminal and deviant acts, as well as various court and police sanctions, providing a comprehensive overview for WJEC Criminology revision notes.
