Explanation
The ubiquity thesis challenges the idea that crime is a rare or abnormal phenomenon. Instead, it highlights that deviant or criminal acts are part of everyday life and occur across all social groups. Minor offenses such as tax evasion, fare dodging, or traffic violations illustrate that the boundary between “law-abiding” and “criminal” citizens is often fluid. This perspective is closely linked to the findings of dark figure research, which demonstrates that many crimes remain unreported and therefore invisible in official statistics.
Theoretical Reference
The ubiquity thesis builds on sociological approaches such as Émile Durkheim’s argument that deviance is a normal and necessary part of social life. It also informs debates on the social construction of crime and the selective enforcement of laws.