Deviance is recognized as a violation against the cultural or social norms in society. This statement of Becker argues that an act only becomes deviant; depending on how bad the act is and how society reacts towards that act.
Becker argues that crime and deviance depends on the society’s reaction against the act. Based on Hilary Allen’s examination of criminal statistics in 1987, the statistics showed a leniency towards female offenders. For example; of people found guilty of motoring offences 73% of women, but only 54% of men were given fines. This resulting in more men being given prison sentences due to the police applying the chivalry thesis (women being treated more leniently than men for committing certain crimes) when arresting female
Becker argues that crime and deviance depends on the society’s reaction against the act. Based on Hilary Allen’s examination of criminal statistics in 1987, the statistics showed a leniency towards female offenders. For example; of people found guilty of motoring offences 73% of women, but only 54% of men were given fines. This resulting in more men being given prison sentences due to the police applying the chivalry thesis (women being treated more leniently than men for committing certain crimes) when arresting female