As differential association theory explains how environment or social setting can influence an individual to commit crimes. Deterrence theory provides a broader picture of deviance, which suggests that, an individual’s commit crime after evaluating benefits and consequences of the deviant behavior. They involve in deviance after making sure that, the benefit of deviance is greater than conformity and the cost of deviance is lower compare to reward. There are two type of deterrence, which are as follow, general deterrence and specific deterrence.
General Deterrence
General deterrence are for the general public who are not involve in any crime. The state punishes offenders to send a message to general public that, committing crime has serious consequences. Which is helpful for the state to prevent crimes in general public. Such action creates fear in general population that, if they violate the law of state there would be serious consequences for their actions. The example of general deterrence is corporal punishment which include, maiming, lashing and hanging. The physical pain inflicted upon the offender is known as corporal punishment. Saudi Arabia is the best example of corporal punishment, if an individual is caught stealing the state maim his hands. In Afghanistan during the Taliban regime adultery was punishable by lapidation or stoning. Once hanging in public was carried out in UK and USA and the family members of the offenders were allowed to watch the punishment. To make them aware of the punishment for breaking the law. Such severe punishment are carried out by the state, to make general public aware and witness the infliction of pain upon the people who violate the state laws.
Specific Deterrence
Specific deterrence is designed to punish the offenders for their deviant behavior. Punishment for the deviant behavior is carried out for the purpose that the offender does not commit the crime in future. Proponent of specific deterrence believe that, severe punishment for deviance may stop the offenders in future to commit crimes. The state punishes the offenders severely for their crimes so that, the benefit of the crime become lower than the cost.
