Sociology - Crime and Deviance - Key definitions

1. The processes by which people are encouraged to conform to the rules, and the ways in which social groups deal with behaviour that breaks these rules. (6, 7, 7)
4. Fixed, standardized and distorted views of the characteristics of a particular group, such as women. Stereotypes are often based on prejudice. (11)
5. The process of blaming an individual/group for something that is not their fault. (12)
6. Crimes committed by employees on behalf of the company or organization they work for. Examples include the manufacture and sale of unsafe products. (9, 5)
7. An illegal act, such as shoplifting, which is punishable by law. (5)
9. When individuals or groups feel that they are unfairly disadvantaged compared to other people in their community or society. (8, 11)
10. Crimes committed by people in relatively high-status professions, such as doctors or solicitors, during their work. Examples include tax evasion. (5, 6, 5)

2. When the media exaggerates a story by presenting it in a particular way, making the general public concerned and go into a 'moral panic'. (5, 5)
3. A group that is defined as a threat to society's values. (4, 5)
8. Behaviour which does not conform to society's norms and values and, if detected, is likely to lead to negative sanctions. Some acts which are deviant can also be illegal. (8)

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