Deviance becomes criminal when societies create formal sanctions via laws.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deviance refers to any behavior that goes against societal norms and values, but it only becomes criminal when laws are created to formally label and punish such behaviors. Criminalization is a social and political process, not a natural or objective category. Therefore, deviant behavior is not inherently criminal; it requires the institutionalization of societal norms in formal laws to be recognized as such.

Deviance Becomes Criminal When Societies Create Formal Sanctions Via Laws