When it comes to perception and definition of a crime, there are empty spaces which fill up with the sense and significance of cultural and societal norms. One culture might consider a person committing a serious crime whereas in another one it can be considered a socially acceptable behavior. This distinction shows that crime is both a legal and social expectation and belief.
These perceptions are usually guided by religious traditions. Society also punishes acts labeled sinful by religion as crimes in many communities. Such a relationship influences the manner in which people write laws, determine their penal punishments and reactions towards lawbreakers. Religion is thus a significant determinant of what is defined as a crime.
There is also a significant influence of societal values in defining crime. Gambling, alcohol consumption or living in a relationship that is not based on marriage are some of the actions that are seen differently across different communities. They can be considered criminals in one area and then the same can be accepted as a normal way of life in others. It demonstrates that changing definitions of crime throughout the time are results of changing values.
Norms also determine the level of tolerance toward crime. In a society corruption might be viewed as a negligible problem and can go unnoticed but in other societies, it may be regarded as a serious offence to be punished. How crime is perceived and dealt with in practice depends upon public acceptance or rejection of such behavior.
This problem is complicated by globalization and migration. When representatives of other cultures come into contact with each other, they hold conflicting opinions about the crime. What is considered normal in a particular culture can bring up a legal or even a moral debate in a different culture. This puts it clear that crime depends not on cultural stratification but every time such diversity and social relationships occur.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that cultural and social processes have a significant impact on the definition, perception, and judgment of crime. They form laws, level of tolerance, and behavior of people. There are different societies, with different norms which change through time and therefore crime is still a flexible concept. Such influences must be considered in applying fair and reasonable institutions of justice.
