Crime and Criminal Justice

 Crime and criminal justice are central concerns in sociology because they show how societies define and enforce norms, how social control is maintained, and how power shapes which behaviors are labeled deviance. The chapter this week discussed how crime isn't simply the breaking of laws, but the result of social definitions, institutional power, and inequality. The PowerPoint emphasized how factors like socioeconomic status, neighborhood context, and race/ethnicity influence both who commits crime and who is victimized. Finally, the assigned questions made me think about how data alone can mislead — for example, comparing reported vs. unreported crime, or looking at trends over time rather than one snapshot.

From a sociological perspective:

  • Functionalism views crime as having a role in society, such as reinforcing norms when deviant acts provoke social condemnation, or clarifying moral boundaries.
  • Conflict theory argues that crime and laws are shaped by inequality; those in power make laws that protect their interests and often punish marginalized groups more harshly.
  • Symbolic interactionism concentrates on how individuals are labeled "criminals" (or not), how stigma attaches, and how self‐concepts and interactions are affected — e.g., through labeling theory or social reactions.

According to the Criminal Victimization, 2022 report by the NCVS, violent crime rates have shown modest variation in recent years, but one notable finding is that a substantial portion of sexual assault and rape victimizations are not reported to the police. For example, NCVS data indicates that less than half of sexual or intimate partner violence incidents are reported. (See section on “Reporting to Police” p. 15–17.) This underreporting distorts the official crime statistics and impacts our ability to respond with effective prevention and victim services. The total number of such victimizations remains high, especially among women, and certain subgroups (lower income, younger age) are more likely to be victims but less likely to report.

Here in Brevard County, an organization working to address violence and support victims is The Women’s Center of Brevard. Their mission is to help individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and dating violence, by providing wraparound services such as counseling, legal advocacy, transitional housing, and prevention education. They run programs to teach about healthy relationships, offer safe shelter for those in crisis, and advocate for survivors. Click here for more information. 



                     Community outreach by The Women’s Center of Brevard, illustrating education and                                                               support services for survivors of violence.

References:

  • Bureau of Justice Statistics. Criminal Victimization, 2022. NCVS report.
  • The Women’s Center of Brevard. “What We Do” / “Prevention Education” pages. (womenscenter.net)


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