Chapter 7 Deviance and Social Control

Defining Deviance Norms determine whether behavior is deviant or normal. Norms vary from group to group, society to society, and time to time, so behavior considered deviant varies.

Defining Deviance Depends on three circumstances: 1. Social status and power of the individuals involved. 2. Social context in which the behavior occurs. 3. The historical period in which the behavior takes place.

Distribution of Deviance Relative to Norm of Leanness

Types of Social Control Internal control Self imposed Acquired during socialization External control Exists outside the individual Based on sanctions designed to control the individual.

Biological Explanations of Deviance Lombroso - believed criminals were throwbacks to earlier human evolutionary development. William Sheldon - attributed crime to body shape. There is no convincing proof that genetic characteristics cause people to be deviant.

Functionalist View of Deviance Negative consequences of deviance: Encourages social disorder Erodes trust Encourages further nonconformity in others Diverts resources from other social needs

Functionalist View of Deviance Positive consequences of deviance: Helps clarify norms Offers a safety valve Increases social unity Brings about needed social change

Responses in Merton’s Strain Theory Goal= Success Hard work= successResponseExample Accepts ConformityExecutive AcceptsRejectsInnovationCriminal RejectsAcceptsRitualism Bored teacher

Responses in Merton’s Strain Theory Goal = Success Hard work = successResponseExample Rejects Retreatism Skid-row alcoholic Rejects Rebellion Militia group member

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective of Deviance Cultural transmission theory contends deviance is learned, just like any other aspect of culture. Labeling theory views an act as deviant only if other people respond to it as if it were deviant.

Conflict Perspective of Deviance Emphasizes social inequality and power differentials. Most powerful members of a society are said to determine group norms and the definition of deviant. Relate deviance to capitalism, pointing to the relationship between race, ethnicity, and crime.

Elements of Social Bonds 1. Attachment The stronger the attachment to parents, friends, and institutions the more likelihood of conformity. 2. Commitment A greater commitment to social goals such as educational attainment and occupational success, the more likely one is to conform.

Elements of Social Bonds 3. Involvement Participation in legitimate social activities increases the probability of conformity. 4. Belief Subscription to norms and values of society promotes conformity.

Theoretical Perspectives: Illustrating Deviance PerspectiveConceptExample FunctionalismAnomieDelinquent gangs Conflict Theory White- collar crime Powerful people get less prison time for the same crime

Theoretical Perspectives: Illustrating Deviance PerspectiveConceptExample Symbolic Interactionism LabelingHigh school students who reject dating because they have been consistently described as “not cool.”

Types of Crimes Americans Commit: 2001

FBI Crime Clock: 2001

Global Differences in Crime Homicide The U.S. homicide rate per 100,000 population is around 5.5. The rate of homicide in Europe is less than 2 per 100,000.

Global Differences in Crime Rape The U.S. rate was 32 per 100,000, 6 times higher than the average for Europe. Burglary The only crime for which the U.S. rate was less than double the average for European countries.

Global Differences in Crime Robbery U.S. rate is around 145 per 100,000. The average European rate is less than 50 per 100,000.

Approaches to Punishment A criminal justice system may draw on four approaches to punishment: Deterrence Retribution Incarceration Rehabilitation

Number of Executions

Attitudes Toward the Death Penalty and Life Imprisonment without Parole in the U.S.

National Death Penalty Policy