Criminal Behavior and Deviant Behavior
Non-conformity, or going against society's agreed or defined rules/norms, is referred to as deviance. In a social sense, this is a violation of appropriate expectations. Every culture has its own set of laws and social values, and non-compliance with these norms is referred to as deviance. On the other hand, crime is an activity that is forbidden by the law or the state. There are laws to deal with deviant conduct, and anyone who violates the law by engaging in various illegal activities is apprehended. Criminal activity is a violation of the state's rules, and since they have the backing of a coercive power of the law enforcers and the court, anyone found committing a crime will be punished by the law. Therefore, criminal behavior and deviant behaviors are not the same things.
Differences between Criminal Behavior and Deviant Behavior
The primary difference between the two is that deviant behavior is against the societal norms while criminal behavior is a crime committed against the law. Deviant behaviors are actions that are not acceptable to a particular society, for instance, a deviant behavior can be prostitution, lying, dressing inappropriately, substance abuse, illicit relationships, hurling insults at someone, and stealing. In contrast, criminal behavior is something that is prohibited by the law, and if found guilty of such behavior, an individual can be charged before a court of justice. Several behaviors are considered as criminal behaviors, for instance, stealing, burglary, using illegal drugs, murder, rape, and homicide. Repeated misdemeanors and felony actions are also classified as crimes that are punishable by the law.
Control and Regulation
Another notable difference between criminal behavior and deviant behavior is that one is controlled by the law enforcers while the other is controlled by the society. The pressure from society controls deviant behaviors where the laws are set and regulated. Most societal rules are controlled by religion and culture, and therefore, most of the time, the society has no proper control in castigating deviant behaviors. On the other hand, criminal behavior is regulated and monitored by law enforcers agents who follow through with the criminal law.
In addition, deviant behaviors are dealt with by society, and society has no coercive power to deal with deviants. In contrast, the state has the authority to address criminal behaviors and tackle any form of crime because they have the power granted to them by the criminal law.
Blurring the Lines
According to Goode, when a deviant behavior breaks the law, then it becomes a crime and thus punishable by the law (2016). Therefore, criminal behavior and deviant behavior can entwine. It is true that deviant acts are not liable to the law; however, when these actions break the law, they become crimes. Societal norms differ from one place to another, therefore, what is considered deviant behavior by some societies may not be viewed as deviant by other societies. Hence, a deviant behavior can be a crime when an individual violates the law with his/her actions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, criminal behavior and deviant behavior are not the same things. Deviance is an individual violating the societal norms while criminal behavior is when a person violates criminal law or rather breaks the laws of the land. When a person departs from the normal social expectations, he/she becomes a deviant. On the other hand, when a person breaks the law by committing a crime, he/she becomes a criminal. Even though nowadays many offenses such as shoplifting, drug abuse, and even prostitution have become deviant behaviors, there are laws made to punish those found guilty because deviant behaviors and criminal actions are not the same. If a person breaks the law with deviant acts, he/she will be punished by the criminal law.
Reference
Goode E. (2016). Deviant Behavior. London: Routledge.
