Deviance vs. Crime: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 30, 2023
Deviance refers to behavior violating social norms or expectations, whereas crime is conduct that breaks a law and is punishable by the legal system.
Key Differences
Deviance encompasses actions that diverge from societal norms, which may not be illegal. Crime, by definition, involves breaking laws and is subject to legal penalties.
The scope of deviance is broader, including both criminal acts and non-criminal rule-breaking. Crime specifically refers to violations of legal statutes.
Societal reaction to deviance varies, often influenced by cultural and social contexts. Crime, however, invokes a formal response from the legal system.
Not all deviant acts are considered crimes, but all crimes are inherently deviant, as they defy legal norms.
The concept of deviance can evolve with societal changes, while what constitutes a crime is determined by current laws.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Behavior against societal norms, not necessarily illegal
Conduct that violates legal statutes
Legal Status
Not always subject to legal sanctions
Always subject to legal sanctions
Scope
Includes a wide range of non-conforming behaviors
Limited to acts defined as illegal
Societal Response
Varies, can be informal or formal
Formal, involves the justice system
Subject to Change
Evolves with social norms and cultural values
Changes with amendments in law
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Deviance and Crime Definitions
Deviance
Behavior that diverges from the usual or accepted standards.
Deviance is often seen in art that challenges traditional forms.
Crime
An act in violation of the law.
Theft is a crime punishable by law.
Deviance
Non-conformity to established societal norms.
Wearing unconventional clothing is a form of deviance.
Crime
Conduct that is prohibited and penalized by the state.
Driving under the influence is a serious crime.
Deviance
Socially constructed concept of unaccepted behavior.
In some societies, public display of affection is considered deviance.
Crime
Breach of rules or laws for which some governing authority can order a punishment.
Vandalism is a crime that can result in fines.
Deviance
Actions that defy social expectations.
Choosing not to marry is seen as deviance in some cultures.
Crime
Unlawful activity subject to legal prosecution.
Embezzlement is a crime involving the misappropriation of funds.
Deviance
Acts that are frowned upon but not necessarily illegal.
Skipping school is a deviant behavior among teenagers.
Crime
Actions against the penal code.
Cybercrime is a growing area of criminal activity.
Deviance
Differing from a norm or from the accepted standards of a society.
Crime
An act committed in violation of law where the consequence of conviction by a court is punishment, especially where the punishment is a serious one such as imprisonment.
Deviance
One that differs from a norm, especially a person whose behavior and attitudes differ from accepted social standards.
Crime
Unlawful activity
Statistics relating to violent crime.
Deviance
(sociology) Actions or behaviors that violate formal and informal cultural norms such as laws and customs.
Crime
A serious offense, especially one in violation of morality.
Deviance
A person or thing that differs from the expected. en
Crime
An unjust, senseless, or disgraceful act or condition
It's a crime to waste all that paper.
Deviance
An aberrant state or condition.
Crime
(countable) A specific act committed in violation of the law.
Deviance
Deviate behavior.
Crime
(countable) Any great sin or wickedness; iniquity.
Deviance
A state or condition markedly different from the norm
Crime
That which occasions crime.
Deviance
Deviate behavior
Crime
(uncountable) Criminal acts collectively.
Crime
(uncountable) The habit or practice of committing crimes.
Crime doesn’t pay.
Crime
To subject to disciplinary punishment.
Crime
(nonce word) To commit crime.
Crime
Any violation of law, either divine or human; an omission of a duty commanded, or the commission of an act forbidden by law.
Crime
Gross violation of human law, in distinction from a misdemeanor or trespass, or other slight offense. Hence, also, any aggravated offense against morality or the public welfare; any outrage or great wrong.
Crime
Any great wickedness or sin; iniquity.
No crime was thine, if 'tis no crime to love.
Crime
That which occasion crime.
The tree of life, the crime of our first father's fall.
Crime
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act;
A long record of crimes
Crime
An evil act not necessarily punishable by law;
Crimes of the heart
FAQs
What is deviance?
Behavior diverging from societal norms, not always illegal.
Can legal actions be deviant?
Yes, if they violate social norms.
Does deviance change over time?
Yes, as societal norms evolve.
What constitutes a crime?
Actions that break legal statutes.
How does society respond to deviance?
Responses vary from indifference to formal sanctions.
Are all crimes deviant?
Yes, as they violate legal norms.
Can a crime become non-criminal over time?
Yes, if laws change.
Is intent important in defining crime?
Yes, intent can be key in legal definitions.
Is all deviance criminal?
No, deviance includes non-criminal acts.
How does the law treat crime?
With formal legal penalties.
Are all illegal acts considered serious crimes?
No, crimes vary in severity.
Can a crime be justified?
Legally no, but morally it's subjective.
Can deviant acts be celebrated?
Yes, if they align with cultural or subcultural values.
Does deviance always harm society?
Not necessarily; it can lead to social change.
How does age impact perceptions of deviance and crime?
Societal tolerance varies based on age, especially for deviance.
Do societal values affect what's considered deviant?
Yes, societal values heavily influence perceptions of deviance.
Are crimes always harmful to others?
Most crimes are, but some primarily harm the perpetrator.
Can the same act be deviant in one culture but not in another?
Yes, deviance is culturally relative.
Can someone be punished for deviance?
Yes, but often informally or socially.
Do changes in law immediately affect crime rates?
Not immediately, as societal adaptation takes time.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
