Learn: What 'criminal', 'deviant', and 'antisocial' mean in criminology

Welcome!Welcome to your personalised lesson! Today we’ll be learning about the important concepts of 'criminal', 'deviant', and 'antisocial behaviour' in criminology. Let's explore what these terms mean and why they matter in understanding crime and society.

What does 'criminal' mean?A criminal is someone who breaks the law, committing acts that are prohibited by legislation. Crimes can range from minor offences, like shoplifting, to serious offences, like armed robbery or murder. Understanding what makes an act criminal is key to studying criminology.

What does 'deviant' mean?Deviance refers to behaviour that goes against the norms and values of society. Unlike criminal acts, deviant behaviour doesn’t always break the law. For example, wearing unusual clothing might be seen as deviant, but it’s not illegal.

What does 'antisocial' mean?Antisocial behaviour is when someone acts in ways that cause alarm, distress, or harassment to others. This could include things like vandalism, public drunkenness, or aggressive behaviour. Some antisocial behaviours are considered criminal, while others are not.

How do 'criminal', 'deviant', and 'antisocial' overlap?While these terms are related, they are not always the same. For example, a criminal act is always illegal, but not all deviant or antisocial behaviours are crimes. However, some behaviours, like vandalism, can be both antisocial and criminal.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about the meanings of 'criminal', 'deviant', and 'antisocial.' Now let’s review everything we've covered.

Well done!You’ve completed the lesson on 'criminal,' 'deviant,' and 'antisocial' behaviour in criminology. Keep asking questions and exploring how these definitions are applied in real-world scenarios!