The child molestation case against pop star Michael Jackson illustrates the fine line between society’s acceptance of unconventional behavior and its demand for criminal justice, a West Virginia University sociologist says.

In every society there are crime norms and conduct norms, said Rachael Woldoff, an assistant professor in WVU ’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. Crime norms, reflected in society’s laws, prohibit citizens from committing crimes and require punishment for violators. Conduct norms, on the other hand, reflect society’s values, expectations and everyday behaviors.

Crime norms are rigid, while society is more flexible with conduct norms, including deviations among celebrities and other groups, Woldoff added.

“Jackson has long violated conduct norms,”she explained.”For instance, for Jackson, wearing a glove on one hand, making one’s children walk around wearing veils and living in a virtual amusement park (Neverland Ranch) visited regularly by children are all conduct norms. We treat these behaviors less harshly than crime norms because Jackson is special and it is his conduct we are observing.

“However, there are limits to such special power,”Woldoff said.”Society finds it unacceptable when conduct norms directly conflict with crime norms. This was the case when Jackson dangled his baby over a balcony or was accused of sexual abuse of a child. This is certainly the case now.”

The self-styled”King of Pop”was booked Thursday on suspicion of child molestation after turning himself in to authorities in Santa Barbara, Calif. He was released on $3 million bail and faces arraignment Jan. 9.

This is the second time Jackson has faced allegations of child molestation. In 1993 he was accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy at Neverland, but the case did not lead to charges because the child refused to testify.

Woldoff said Jackson’s celebrity can work against him, inasmuch as his reputation is tarnished regardless of how the case is resolved.

One labeling theory, Woldoff added, divides deviants into three categories: those who are innocent and labeled deviant, those who are actually deviant and caught, and others who are deviant but never caught.

“Jackson may be innocent and falsely accused,”she said.”In any case, being labeled as a child abuser can be seen as a’master status’in that it takes precedence over all other characteristics/labels he may havecelebrity, artistic genius, philanthropist, psychologically damaged child star. Thus, society is not likely to forget this label regardless of the outcome of the case.”

Woldoff is available to speak to the media about the case. Her phone number is 304-293-5801 ext. 3211.