Chapter+07+Deviance



Crime – the violation of a society’s formally enacted criminal law In society, it is against the law to kidnap a person. Vizzini, Inigo, and Fezzik commit a crime by kidnapping Buttercup. By doing so, they violate society’s enacted criminal law. They hold her against her will and have the intention of killing her which is also illegal.

Criminal justice system – the organizations—police, courts, and prison officials—that respond to alleged violations of the law Although Prince Humperdinck had the intention of killing Buttercup, he and his followers demonstrated a criminal justice system during their search for the kidnapped princess. They responded to the violation of the law, which in this case, was the kidnapping of Buttercup.

Crimes against the person – crimes that direct violence or the threat of violence against others; also known as violent crimes Count Tyrone Rugen demonstrated crimes against the person by killing Inigo’s father. He also demonstrated it by threatening to kill Inigo towards the end of the movie. Instead, Inigo was the one who committed a crime against the person by killing Count Rugen in order to avenge his father.

stigma: a powerfully negative label that greatly changes a person’s self-concept and social identity Fezzik is deemed a giant and this is stigma that affects his life. He finds it hard to find a job because everyone is afraid of him. He also feels stupid and unloved because of his size and that he is called a giant.

white- collar crime: crime committed by people of high social position in the course of their occupations Prince Humperdinck is committing a white-collar crime by hiring people to kidnap Buttercup. He wants her to be killed so he has a reason to start a war. Due to his high status in society this is considered a white-collar crime, he is hiring an assassin.

social control: attempts by society to regulate people’s thoughts and behavior Prince Humperdinck has to hide his plan because he is afraid of social control. He knows his plan will not be accepted by the people of his country. He is afraid society will try to stop him from getting what he wants.