When we hear the word “crime”, the image of acts like violence, theft or fraud often emerges in our mind. But from a sociological perspective, crime is not just a violation of law, but also a challenge to social norms and values. There are some behaviors that are considered crime in one society, while in another society they may be normal. So the question is – why does crime happen? What factors give rise to it? And how can society control it? Various sociological theories find answers to these questions.
Theory and Assumptions: Way of Thinking in Sociology
Often people consider “theory” and “hypothesis” to be the same, but in sociology a theory is a solid framework on the basis of which we understand society. These theories are based on specific assumptions—such as the nature of the individual, his place in society, and his relation to the social structure.
When different theories explain the same fact differently, it is because of differences in their underlying assumptions. Sociological theories allow us to study in depth how the relationship between the individual and society is formed and broken.
Definition of Crime in Sociology
Legally, crime means the violation of a rule or law. But in sociology, this definition is not so simple. Sociology views crime as a “social abnormality”—behavior that reflects a deviation from social norms and expectations.
The question arises here: How are these social norms formed? Whose interests do the laws protect and whose do they go against? Who benefits from these rules, and who suffers? These questions guide sociology to delve deeper into crime.
Types of Crime: Sociological Approach
In sociology, crime is divided into many categories, of which five are major:
- Violent Crime – In which physical harm is caused to a person, such as murder, rape, kidnapping, assault, etc.
- Property Crime – Crimes that harm someone’s physical goods, such as theft, robbery, arson, etc.
- White-Collar Crime – These crimes are usually committed in the business sector through the manipulation of money or property, such as money laundering, fraud, scams, etc.
- Organized Crime – When the crime is committed in a planned manner by an organized group, such as mafia, drug trafficking, human trafficking, etc.
- Voluntary or Victimless Crime – Crimes that do not directly harm anyone else, such as drug abuse, prostitution, etc.
Some sociologists also believe that no act is called a “crime” unless it is understood in the socio-cultural context.
Crime vs. Perversion: Subtle Differences
Although the terms “crime” and “perversion” are often considered the same, there is a difference between the two. Crime is something that violates the law, while perversion is behavior that breaks social norms. A behavior may not be a crime but may be deviant from a social point of view.
There are four major theories to understand perversion in sociology, which lay the foundation for the sociological analysis of crime:
1. Structural Functionalism
This theory says that perversion plays an essential role for society. It sets the boundaries in society – what behaviour is acceptable and what is not.
Deviant behaviour motivates society to review and improve its norms.
Thus, deviance indirectly helps maintain balance in society.
2. Social Strain Typology
This theory, developed by Robert Merton, states that people resort to deviant paths when they are unable to achieve the goals set by society through legitimate means.
According to this theory, there are five types of deviance:
- Ritualism
- Innovation
- Rebellion
- Escapism
- Conformity
For example, a person resorts to theft or fraud to get rich—this is an example of innovation. This theory highlights how even a person committed to a social goal can choose an antisocial path.
3. Conflict Theory
This theory considers the inequalities prevailing in society as the root cause of crime. In this, power struggle between class, caste, gender, religion etc. is considered important.
People from weaker sections, who are at the bottom of the society, often tend to crime because they have limited legitimate resources to change their circumstances.
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “A riot is the language of the unheard.” — this theory of conflict highlights the same sentiment.
4. Labeling Theory
This theory believes that criminal or deviant behavior is not the real tendency of the person, but it is a result of the power struggle between the society and the society.The result of the “label” imposed by the government.
For example, if a student is labeled “naughty” early on, he or she gradually adopts that identity.
This theory explains how society’s behavior and identity-construction can increase a person’s chances of becoming a criminal.
Why Study Sociological Theories?
If you want to pursue a career in the criminal justice system, psychology, or sociology, understanding these theories is a must.
It not only helps in understanding crime, but also shows the way to bring about positive change in society.
Various universities, such as National University, offer degrees in sociology where these theories are taught from a behavioral perspective.
Conclusion: A Sociological Way to Understand Crime
Crime and deviance are not just moral or legal problems—they are a reflection of social structures, conflicts, and human behavior.
Sociological theories give us a deeper perspective on crime—where we learn to see the criminal not just as a perpetrator, but as a person within a social context.
If we want to make society more equitable, then these theories need to be applied in policy making and practical strategies, not just in academic terms.
Author’s Message:
This article explains sociological theories in a completely humanistic language. Its aim is to understand crime not just as a crime, but as a reflection of social structure. This approach is useful not only for students, but for every aware citizen of society.
If you want, I can also prepare a PDF or printable version of it.
