CCJS 105: Introduction to Criminology

Instructor: Jennifer Gibbs

Spring 2011

Notes for Class 2: Introduction to Criminology

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this class, you should be able to:
 Define criminology
 Differentiate between crime and deviance
 Recognize the variety of approaches to understanding crime, deviance and
conformity

Crime, Deviance and Conformity

Conformity is Adherence to social norms

Norms are expectation of /for behavior

Four types of norms:

1. Folkways

2. Mores

3. Law

4. Taboos

Deviance- More than nonconformity

Social definition; depends on social context

Different groups= different deviance

Norms are socially created

Deviance is like beauty- in the eye of the beholder

Formal and Informal Deviance

Formal deviance is Crime

(An example of formal deviance is_________________________________)

Informal deviance is Norm Violation

Examples of informal deviance include:

1. Stare

2. Face backward in an elevator

3. Milgram’s Metro

4. Stand “too close”

5. Or stand “too far” away

On your own… Try some informal deviance (be sure you do not
engage in formal deviance!)
• Why was it “informal” deviance?
• What did you do?
• What were others’ reactions?

More terminology
Conformity can be defined as an adherence to social norms

Deviance can be defined as violation of a social norm

Crime can be defined as violation of a criminal law

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior

Criminal justice is refers more to enforcement. After criminals have been

caught committing criminal behavior

Criminalistics is (more CSI) ex. fingerprinting, DNA, ect.

Introduction to Criminology

Criminology focuses on:

1. Crime

2. Deviance

3. Conformity

Criminological theory: attempts to organize explain and predict crime,

deviance and/or conformity

 1. Do NOT explain ALL crime/deviance

2. Explain as much as possible

3. Generally focus on street crime

4. Must be observable

5. Must be replicated

On your own… Why do you think people commit crime? Benefits

outweigh risks, under the influence
Why do you think people engage in deviance?
Why do you think people obey the law?

History of Criminological Thought

Several theories exist to explain crime, deviance and conformity:

1. Spiritual/Demonological school

2. Classical School

3. Positivist School

a. Biological, psychological theories

4. Sociological Theories

a. Anomie, Social process, social control, developmental & Life

Course theories

5. Critical Theories

Have we met today’s learning Objectives?

Do you feel you are able to:
 Define criminology
 Differentiate between crime and deviance
 Recognize the variety of approaches to understanding crime, deviance
and conformity

Assignments:
 READ SYLLABUS CAREFULLY
 Log into Blackboard (www.elms.umd.edu)
 Complete writing assessment on Blackboard
 Complete survey on Blackboard
  Read Hagan text, Chapter 1

When reading the Hagan text, pay particular attention to:

 Crime rates
 The inaccuracy of many “common sense” understandings of crime:
o Elderly & women victimization
o Stranger v. acquaintance victimization
 Mala in se v. Mala prohibita
 Manifest v. Latent functions
 Emile Durkheim
 Characteristics of criminal law
 Felonies v. misdemeanors
 Actus reus v. mens rhea
 Cost of crime