Deviance, Social Control, and Attitudes Towards Crime During the Coronavirus Pandemic – Findings From a Student Survey

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic provides the unique opportunity to study criminological topics in a particular situation of crisis, though such questions have largely been absent from previous surveys. Polls indicate a decline in initially high levels of anxiety and strong approval of infection prevention measures. To point out violations of distancing regulations is seen as acceptable, as are more severe punishments. With our survey among students, an answer is sought on how to assess the fear of crime during the crisis, to what extent the new rules are being followed, and what the expectations are for penalizing deviance. How are the police perceived in their role as the main supervisory body on compliance with these measures? The results show the affective dimension of the fear of crime to be comparable to the anxiety towards an infection. While  infection prevention measures are widely accepted, at the same time, certain measures are commonly infringed. The need for punishment of such deviations is moderate and the perception of the police continues to be positive.