Crime and Criminal Justice

Chapter 4, about crime and justice talks about how society defines and responds to behaviors that break the rules or laws, starting with the key question: What’s the difference between deviance and crime? Deviance refers to actions that go against social norms and draw social disapproval, while crime involves behaviors that violate laws and are seen as especially harmful or dangerous. It explains that not every deviant act is a crime, but society decides which behaviors are serious enough to be punished by the law. The chapter also discusses how the media can distort our perception of crime by overdramatizing violent acts and creating unnecessary fear in people, even when the crime rates are actually declining. It introduces five main types of crime: violent crime, which includes acts like murder and assault, property crime, involving theft or damage to people's property or possessions, white-collar crime, which is done by professionals or corporations for financial gain, organized crime, committed by groups that profit from illegal activities like drug trafficking or gambling, and finally consensual crime, where people willingly engage in illegal behaviors like doing drugs or prostitution. To better understand these crime patterns, sociologists use data from sources like the Uniform Crime Report (UCR), National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), and self-report surveys to make conclusions about why crime happens and what dynamics are involved. 

The chapter also explains the three main sociological perspectives on crime. The functionalist perspective focuses on how social situations, like poverty or unstable neighborhoods, can lead to crime. It includes ideas like social disorganization, where weak communities have higher crime rates, and anomie, which happens when people can’t reach success the “right” way and turn to crime instead. The conflict perspective sees crime as a result of inequality and power differences, by arguing that the wealthy and powerful people use laws to protect their interests and keep disadvantaged groups, especially the poor and people of color, under control. It also includes feminist theory, which looks at how gender affects crime and victimization. Finally, the symbolic interactionist perspective focuses on how crime is learned through social interactions. Theories like differential association and social bonding explain how friends and weak family ties can influence people's behavior, while labeling theory shows how being called a “criminal” can lead someone to keep committing crimes. Together, these perspectives show that crime isn’t just about making bad choices, it's about social conditions, families, and personal experiences. 

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), 1993–2024 from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (NCVS Quick Graphics), the rate of robbery victimization in the United States was around 2.5 to 2.6 per 1,000 persons aged 12 or older in 2022–2023 (NCVS Quick Graphics). While this represents a small increase from earlier in the decade, it remains dramatically lower than the rates seen in the 1990s, when robbery averaged over 6 per 1,000. Despite these declines, a major issue is how people don't report to the police. NCVS data show that only about half of robbery incidents are reported to the police. This gap highlights the social dimensions of crime, as factors like fear of retaliation, mistrust of law enforcement, and community conditions often influence whether victims come forward. Overall, robbery rates show long-term improvement but also reveal ongoing challenges in public safety and crime reporting. 

Shielding Lives, Inc. is a volunteer-run nonprofit in Palm Bay, FL that works to help survivors of domestic violence. Their main goal is to provide practical support and education to people trying to escape abusive situations. One of their key programs is the Survivor Gift Card Program, which gives Walmart gift cards to cover urgent needs like food or clothing for people leaving dangerous homes. They also offer workshops and self-defense classes and focus on teaching the community about warning signs of serious abuse. By combining direct help with education and awareness campaigns, Shielding Lives works to make the community safer and support survivors on their path to independence. 

References:

Crime and Justice.pdf: 202540-SYG-2010-21Z-40363-Social Problems

NCVS Dashboard: Quick Graphics

Shielding Lives, Inc. - Stop Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Awareness, Domestic Violence

Caption: Here is a picture of a robber holding a gun towards a pharmacist. Robbery and crime are problems that affect our communities quietly but very deeply and seriously. People can feel unsafe even in places they thought were familiar. It’s important to always stay aware and support each other in these kinds of situations.