Criminology: Norms, Moral Codes, and Values

Overview

• Focuses on Unit 2 of the WJEC Level 3 Criminology course.
• Explains the difference between criminal and deviant behavior through norms, moral codes, and values.

Norms

• Definition: Specific rules or expectations placed on individuals to behave in socially acceptable ways.
  • Vary by social context: behavior changes based on location (e.g., bus, school, party).
  • Influenced by social characteristics: age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, religion.

Examples of Norms

• Social Location:

  • Dressing in uniform or adhering to a dress code at school or work.
  • Different clothing for different times of day (e.g., not wearing formal attire to bed).
  • Quiet behavior expected in libraries or doctor's offices, different from parties or concerts.

• Age and Gender Influence:

  • Playing in a park as normal for young people but abnormal for elderly individuals.

Moral Codes

• Definition: Guiding principles or ethics on how to act in certain situations.
  • Associated with institutions like education, government, criminal justice system.
  • Deviating from moral codes can lead to sanctions.

Examples of Moral Codes

• Health Sector:
  • Doctors and nurses follow a code of ethics, such as maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Education:
  • Teachers expected to behave professionally and support students.
• Criminal Justice:
  • Police should treat individuals equally, assume innocence until proven guilty.

Values

• Definition: Universal beliefs about what is right in a given social context and society overall.
  • Reflect norms and can change with societal attitudes.

Examples of Values

• Meritocracy: belief that hard work leads to rewards.
• Protecting children's innocence from the adult world.
• Equality: everyone should be treated with respect regardless of characteristics like ethnicity, gender, or social class.

Deviance

• Occurs when individuals do not adhere to values and norms, leading to social changes.

Conclusion

• Understanding norms, moral codes, and values is crucial for differentiating between criminal and deviant behavior.