A wealthy CEO is caught embezzling funds from their company, but instead of facing significant legal consequences, they receive a fine that is a fraction of their wealth. In contrast, a low-income individual is arrested for shoplifting a small item. How does this scenario illustrate the concepts of deviance and social inequality?

This scenario shows how deviance, which is behavior that goes against social norms, can be treated very differently depending on a person's social status. The wealthy CEO's embezzlement is a serious crime, but because of their wealth and power, they face minimal consequences, highlighting how those with money can sometimes escape harsh penalties. On the other hand, the low-income individual shoplifting a small item faces severe legal action, illustrating how society often punishes the poor more harshly for minor offenses. This difference in treatment demonstrates social inequality, where wealth influences both the perception of deviance and the response to it. For example, if a rich person steals a large sum of money, they might just pay a small fine, while a poor person could end up with a criminal record for a $5 item.