What is a norm? What is the harm of crime?

Answer 1

Norm: "social rules that specify appropriate and inappropriate behavior in given situations." (Sociology The Core 7th Edition))
Norms come in Folkways, Mores and Laws. If u break a folkway the "punishment" is not that serious. Like not brushing your teeth or not combing your hair. Mores are more serious and lead to harsh punishment. Like molesting a child. A law is a Norm that is enforced.

As for the harm of crime, many exist. U have victim less crime then u have index crimes (which hurt people or peoples property).

Answer 2

A norm is an accepted standard. We have a norm that everyone will (for the most part) obey the law.

To realize the harm of crime, think of how breaking this norm (that people should follow the law) affects society.

Also, consider the consequence of specific crimes (theft, rape, murder). For example, we have an intuitive norm that a person should get what he deserves, as well as the norm that a person should be able to feel secure in his right to personal property. Theft obviously deviates from these norms by depriving the rightful owner and enriching the thief. Also, would someone who is constantly robbed feel as motivated to work hard for possessions that may be taken from them?

A more difficult and interesting question is: what are the benefits of crime? Of a society without laws or the ability to enforce laws?

Answer 3

A norm is a standard, a statistical average.

The harm of crime is that there is always a victim.

Answer 4

Crime harms people and things.
Crime is the harm of crime.

Answer 5

There is no such thing as normal. Crime, however, is bad karma. Theft, murder, etc. are obviously wrong and will come back to you. Victemless crimes though, like drugs harm the body in large quantities. Normal and crime doot really corelate that closely.