Assignment about What is Criminology?

1Criminology
Running head: CRIMINOLOGY
Criminology
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2Criminology
Criminology
Part A: Short Answer
Distinguish between “deviance” and “deviants.” What is the problem with causally and
conceptually linking these according to Box?
In the sociological context, deviance can be defined as behaviors or actions, which
lead to the violation of informal along with social norms or even formally implemented
rules. Deviance can be two types i.e. the crime and the social norm violation. Contextually,
crime refers to the breaching of the enacted laws, which include activities such as murder,
robbery, and rape among others. On the other hand, social norms violation refers to a breach
of social values (MindTouch, 2019). A deviant is an individual, who diverges from norms
and values of social behavior (Bryant, 2012). According to Box (1981), there is no
significant difference between deviance (behavior of violating rules and regulations) and
deviants (individuals, who are assumed to have deviant identity). Both aspects are considered
to be a part of one phenomenon. They were casually associated, as deviants are engaged in
committing deviance. On the other hand, they are linked conceptually because people
committing unexpected behavior, can be categorized under deviants (Box, 1981).
Contrast legalistic, social constructivist, and social harm definitions of crime. Why is
crime so tricky to define according to Muncie?
Crime can legally be defined as an activity, which leads to violating the law. Thus, it
includes behavior, which is forbidden under the criminal code. On the other hand, in a social
constructivist context, an activity can only be referred to as a crime only when it is socially
perceived. A behavior can be considered as a crime, when it is made punishable by society.
On the contrary, in relation to the social harm, it mainly focuses on including corporate
crimes. For instance, violation of human rights can be cited as an example of social harm
crime (Muncie, 2001). Crime is tricky to be defined because the things, which are considered

3Criminology
to be a crime, may change over time. In addition, crime can further be defined by different
states in varied ways. It also depends on various factors, including cohesion in society.
Muncie (2001) stated that people often deviate from the reason behind behaviors being
perceived as deviant. Additionally, people lose sight of the activities, which can be
considered as crimes. The definition of crime also changes because of moral and political
factors (Muncie, 2001).
Part B: Short Essay
How do the issues concerning the definitions of crime and deviance in Muncie’s and
Pfohl’s articles give perspective on the cases of Stephen Reid, Karla Homolka, and
Conrad Black?
According to Muncie (2001), crime can be defined as an act, which is often
punishable by law. This is because criminal activities are prohibited by the statute related to
public welfare. Crime is hence perceived to be illegal. Furthermore, crime can be defined on
the basis of three viewpoints. The first context is considered to be the violation of criminal
law. On the other hand, the act of crime is regarded as the breach of moral code, and lastly, it
is perceived as social harm (Muncie, 2001). On a similar note, Pfohl’s viewed crime and
deviance in the context of winners and losers. The winners get to control the area based on
their vision. These individuals also have the power to implement their vision in the society
(Pfohl, 1994). In order to understand the viewpoints made by the Muncie along with Pfohl,
there are some cases, which can help in gaining insights relating to crimes conducted by
Stephen Reid, Karla Homolka, and Conrad Black.
With respect to the case of Stephen Reid, he was a member of the Stopwatch Gang,
who was known for robbery. The gang robbed 140 banks in the US along with Canada
during the 1970s and 1980s. Stephen Reid along with his gang members robbed around
$15million worth of cash and further stole gold bullion, amounting to $785,000 (PressFrom,