Ever wondered why people follow rules and what happens when... Show more
Sociology149 views·Updated Jun 1, 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Sociology: Crime and Deviance
Charlotte🫶🏻@charlotte.100
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Understanding Crime and Deviance
Crime is straightforward - it's any illegal action that breaks criminal law, like robbery, identity theft, or terrorism. You'll get punished by the legal system if you're caught doing these things.
Deviance is trickier because it's about behaviour that goes against society's unwritten rules or norms. What's considered deviant can vary massively between different people, cultures, and time periods - think about how attitudes towards tattoos or same-sex relationships have changed over the decades.
There are two main theories about how society maintains social order. Functionalism suggests that most people agree on basic values and norms through socialisation, so we naturally follow the rules. Marxism argues that the ruling class (bourgeoisie) uses their power to create laws that benefit them and control the working class (proletariat).
Formal social control operates through official channels with written laws. The House of Parliament makes laws, police enforce them, and the prison service punishes lawbreakers. This system gives the state real power to control people's behaviour through legal consequences.
Quick Tip: Remember that crime is always illegal, but deviance isn't necessarily criminal - it just goes against social expectations.
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How Society Controls Behaviour
Informal social control happens through everyday social pressure rather than official laws. It's based on unwritten rules and relies on how other people react to your behaviour - their approval or disapproval keeps you in line.
The main agencies of informal social control are the people closest to you: family members, friends, and colleagues. These same groups also act as agencies of socialisation, teaching you what's acceptable in the first place.
These agencies use sanctions to encourage or discourage behaviour. Positive sanctions reward you when you meet group expectations - like praise, smiles, or inclusion in activities. Negative sanctions punish poor conformity through things like criticism, dirty looks, or social exclusion.
This informal system is incredibly powerful because humans naturally want to belong and be accepted. You'll often change your behaviour to avoid disappointing people you care about, even when there's no legal consequence involved.
Remember: Informal control often influences your daily choices more than formal laws - you're more likely to worry about what your mates think than what the police think!
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Sociology149 views·Updated Jun 1, 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Sociology: Crime and Deviance
Charlotte🫶🏻@charlotte.100
Ever wondered why people follow rules and what happens when they don't? Crime and deviance are all about understanding when behaviour crosses the line and how society keeps order through both official laws and unwritten social rules.
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Understanding Crime and Deviance
Crime is straightforward - it's any illegal action that breaks criminal law, like robbery, identity theft, or terrorism. You'll get punished by the legal system if you're caught doing these things.
Deviance is trickier because it's about behaviour that goes against society's unwritten rules or norms. What's considered deviant can vary massively between different people, cultures, and time periods - think about how attitudes towards tattoos or same-sex relationships have changed over the decades.
There are two main theories about how society maintains social order. Functionalism suggests that most people agree on basic values and norms through socialisation, so we naturally follow the rules. Marxism argues that the ruling class (bourgeoisie) uses their power to create laws that benefit them and control the working class (proletariat).
Formal social control operates through official channels with written laws. The House of Parliament makes laws, police enforce them, and the prison service punishes lawbreakers. This system gives the state real power to control people's behaviour through legal consequences.
Quick Tip: Remember that crime is always illegal, but deviance isn't necessarily criminal - it just goes against social expectations.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
How Society Controls Behaviour
Informal social control happens through everyday social pressure rather than official laws. It's based on unwritten rules and relies on how other people react to your behaviour - their approval or disapproval keeps you in line.
The main agencies of informal social control are the people closest to you: family members, friends, and colleagues. These same groups also act as agencies of socialisation, teaching you what's acceptable in the first place.
These agencies use sanctions to encourage or discourage behaviour. Positive sanctions reward you when you meet group expectations - like praise, smiles, or inclusion in activities. Negative sanctions punish poor conformity through things like criticism, dirty looks, or social exclusion.
This informal system is incredibly powerful because humans naturally want to belong and be accepted. You'll often change your behaviour to avoid disappointing people you care about, even when there's no legal consequence involved.
Remember: Informal control often influences your daily choices more than formal laws - you're more likely to worry about what your mates think than what the police think!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
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.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Deviance and Social Control
9Most popular content in Sociology
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google 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 SiOS 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 KlichAndroid 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.
AnnaiOS user