We will be exploring the topic through sociological lenses. That is to say, we will examine crime and deviance as sociologists. Sociology is an academic and applied discipline which examines society and human interaction. The basic premise of sociology is that society affects individuals in profound yet often imperceptible ways, while interacting individuals simultaneously affect their society in a complex dynamic. Sociologists are especially interested in the function of social institutions, such as the family, church, economy, criminal justice system, and more in shaping human behavior. As sociologists examining crime and deviance, then, we’re interested in examining the role of society in bringing about deviance and crime, but we’re also interested in the way individuals operating in society affect, and are affected, by societal definitions, understandings, and reactions around the notions of deviance and crime.
Most introductory courses on the sociology of crime and deviance begin by posing the question “what is deviance”? At a very basic level, deviance is simply a departure from a given ‘norm’; exactly what or who is considered deviant depends on which ‘norms’ we are talking about. Those who ‘transgress’ norms are the source of much interest and fascination, and provoke a number of concerns and questions about what causes these deviations. Until fairly recently almost all inquiry has focused on finding an explanation for this wrongdoing. The rules that defined what is considered deviant taken to be valid and as a constant. This tradition continues with many sociologists consistently failing to ask some fundamental questions, ones more basic than the “why do they do it?” The frequently overlooked question relates to the ‘rules’ defining what is deviant. How do the rules arise, how do they function, and how do we react to those that break the rules, customs, or laws, which govern and structure social life?
The story of deviance is not only about the deviant themselves but is also one of social control, a story of the battle to control the ways people think, feel, and behave. In this context, the reason why someone transgresses a rule is only part of the picture. What we must also consider throughout our explorations of deviance is the question posed at the beginning: “what is deviance”, “how and why do certain ‘acts’ and ‘behaviors’ become termed as ‘deviant’? On the other hand, why is it that society can view very harmful acts and behaviors as being acceptable?
We will explore these questions throughout the semester as we examine both how societal rules are 'made' as well as more traditional questions which focus on the 'causes' of crime. For a more thorough overview of the course, please see the syllabus (however, please note that this is a flexible schedule).
