Chapter 11
Socialization - The process by which individuals come to understand the expectations and norms of
their groups, as well as the various roles they transition into over the life course, and how to behave
in society or in a particular social setting.
Sanction - Any type of punishment, including both formal punishment (based on laws or written
rules) and informal types of punishments.
Criminal justice system - The entire body of laws and institutions that regulate and punish criminal
activity. This includes written laws, courts, and other organizations where guilt or innocence is
determined, as well as the places (such as jails and prisons, but also probation and parole offices)
where those who have been convicted of a criminal offense are supervised.
Symbolic boundary - The distinctions people make between themselves and others on the basis of
taste, socioeconomic status, morality, or other differences.
Criminal record - A formal designation, maintained by correctional bureaucracies such as police
departments or courts, of an individual's criminal history.
Social group - A collection of individuals formed around some kind of social identity or for some
specific purpose.
Stigma - A negative characteristic or credential attached to individual that implies disgrace, such as
a criminal record, a poor reputation, or other indicators of disgrace.
Immigration - A term that describes the movement of people across borders.
Social control - The institutions, norms, and rules through which societies attempt to shape and
control individuals. Behavior that violates social rules is typically punished either formally or
informally, reflecting the different ways in which social control is administered.
Jurisdiction - A defined geographical area in which laws are applied.
Felony - A crime that may be punished by at least a year in prison. All of the most serious criminal
acts are considered felonies in the penal codes in the United States.
Parole - Early release from prison, typically based on good behavior of an inmate.
Misdemeaner - A criminal act that is illegal, but for which the maximum punishment is less than a
year in prison.
Penal codes - Written laws that identify and prohibit various acts and may suggest punishments to
be associated for those who commit them.
Prison - A place of detention where people convicted of felonies are held.
Three strike law - Laws adopted in a number of states that require very long or lifetime sentences for
individuals convicted of a third felony offense.
Socialization - The process by which individuals come to understand the expectations and norms of
their groups, as well as the various roles they transition into over the life course, and how to behave
in society or in a particular social setting.
Sanction - Any type of punishment, including both formal punishment (based on laws or written
rules) and informal types of punishments.
Criminal justice system - The entire body of laws and institutions that regulate and punish criminal
activity. This includes written laws, courts, and other organizations where guilt or innocence is
determined, as well as the places (such as jails and prisons, but also probation and parole offices)
where those who have been convicted of a criminal offense are supervised.
Symbolic boundary - The distinctions people make between themselves and others on the basis of
taste, socioeconomic status, morality, or other differences.
Criminal record - A formal designation, maintained by correctional bureaucracies such as police
departments or courts, of an individual's criminal history.
Social group - A collection of individuals formed around some kind of social identity or for some
specific purpose.
Stigma - A negative characteristic or credential attached to individual that implies disgrace, such as
a criminal record, a poor reputation, or other indicators of disgrace.
Immigration - A term that describes the movement of people across borders.
Social control - The institutions, norms, and rules through which societies attempt to shape and
control individuals. Behavior that violates social rules is typically punished either formally or
informally, reflecting the different ways in which social control is administered.
Jurisdiction - A defined geographical area in which laws are applied.
Felony - A crime that may be punished by at least a year in prison. All of the most serious criminal
acts are considered felonies in the penal codes in the United States.
Parole - Early release from prison, typically based on good behavior of an inmate.
Misdemeaner - A criminal act that is illegal, but for which the maximum punishment is less than a
year in prison.
Penal codes - Written laws that identify and prohibit various acts and may suggest punishments to
be associated for those who commit them.
Prison - A place of detention where people convicted of felonies are held.
Three strike law - Laws adopted in a number of states that require very long or lifetime sentences for
individuals convicted of a third felony offense.
