Week 4 Project

Page 1 of 1 Introduction to Sociology

©2017 South University

W4L4 Who determines and defines the norms of a society? This is an important question because the norms that are accepted will define who is deviant and who will face sanctions by society. Social conflict theorists argue that those who have power in a society will set the norms that will be applied to all others. For example, laws are determined by lawyers, judges and politicians and enforced by the police. We can see this determination of norms by examining white collar crime. It has very negative effects on society but those who commit it usually avoid being labeled as criminals. Statistical data can differentiate between those who are considered deviant and those who are not. By knowing this, we can deduce which groups are defining the norms of society. Official statistics show that arrest rates generally peak for in late adolescence and then decline as age advances. Three of every four people apprehended by police are arrested for property crimes. Additionally, males commit 84% of violent crimes. Those who are poor are found to commit more street crime than the affluent. Many more whites than African Americans are arrested for street crime but on a proportional basis for population many more African Americans are arrested. Additionally, considerably fewer Asian Americans are arrested for crime. The police have a great deal of discretion in making arrest. There is a much greater chance of an arrest if there is a serious crime, there are witnesses to the crime, or if an African American has been accused. The American Justice System is an adversarial court system but most cases are resolved through plea bargains. Importantly, regardless of how efficient the American Justice System is, it places those who have less power and influence at a great disadvantage.