Which term refers to behavior that violates social norms but may not be criminal?

• A. Deviance
• B. Public Perceptions of Crime
• C. Campaign for Change
• D. Criminological Theories

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is deviance: behavior that violates social norms but may not be criminal. Deviance is defined by going against the expectations of a social group and can vary by culture and situation. It doesn’t have to be illegal—many acts can be seen as deviant without constituting a crime. In criminology, crime is a specific category of behavior that breaches formal laws, while deviance covers a broader range of rule-breaking, including non-criminal acts.

Why the other terms don’t fit: Public Perceptions of Crime describes how people think about crime, not the nature of the behavior itself. Campaign for Change refers to advocacy or activism, not a description of behavior. Criminological Theories are explanations for why crime occurs, not a label for behavior that violates norms but isn’t necessarily illegal.

For example, wearing unconventional attire in a formal setting may be deviant in that context but is not a crime.