section_path: Definition/Sociology
section_name: Sociology
paragraph_text: Sociology
  
  As a sociological concept, crime is associated with actions that cause harm and violate social norms. Under this definition, crime is a type of social construct, and societal attitudes determine what is considered criminal.
  
  In legal systems based on legal moralism, the predominant moral beliefs of society determine the legal definition as well as the social definition of crime. This system is less prominent in liberal democratic societies that prioritize individualism and multiculturalism over other moral beliefs.
  
  Paternalism defines crime not only as harm to others or to society, but also as harm to the self.