THE NATURE OF DEVIANCE What do sociologists mean by deviance?

Deviance is behavior that departs from social or group norms

Deviance could include: ◦ Theft ◦ Murder ◦ Cheating ◦ Lying ◦ Polygamy (It is subjective and varies from society to society)

Negative Deviance ◦ Is behavior that underconforms to accepted norms. ◦ People reject the norms, misinterpret the norms, or unaware of the norms

Positive Deviance ◦ Behavior that overconforms to social expectations ◦ People overdo the norms. They have imbalance and extreme perfectionism ◦ Example: Society tells us, we can never be too thin.

Deviants are people who break significant societal or group norms

Social Control ◦ All societies have ways to promote order, stability and predictability in social life. What ways do we do this in the United States?

Internal Social Control ◦ Lies within the person ◦ You do what is right because you know it will be better for you in the long run ◦ Example: We do not steal

External Social Control ◦ These involve punishment for not following the social norms (social sanctions) ◦ Getting a ticket for speeding ◦ Being arrested for DWI

Social Sanctions can be positive ◦ They encourage conformity ◦ Promotions ◦ Raises ◦ Awards

Sanctions may be informal ◦ Ridicule ◦ Gossip ◦ Smiles ◦ Winks

Costs and Benefits of Deviance Negative effects ◦ Deviance erodes trust ◦ A society with widespread distrust cannot function ◦ Deviance diverts human and monetary resources

Costs and Benefits of Deviance Beneficial Effects Deviance makes society clarify norms Society defines, adjusts and reaffirms norms. Example: Child protection service

Strain Theory ◦ Is the theory that deviance is more likely to occur when a gap exists between cultural goals and ability to achieve them.

Anomie is a social condition in which norms are weak, conflicting or absent. ◦ Without shared norms, individuals are uncertain about how they should think or act. ◦ Strain occurs when there is a gap in desirable goals and the way of getting them.

In the U.S., success and material possessions are important goals. ◦ When people accept these goals, this is called conformity

Deviant Responses to Strain ◦ Innovation: people accept the goal, but uses illegal method to obtain it.

Deviant Responses to Strain ◦ Ritualism is where the individual rejects the goal (success) but continues to use legitimate means ◦ Someone who does their job but doesn’t have their heart and desire in it.

Deviant Responses to Strain ◦ Retreatism is where both legitimate means and the approved goals are rejected. ◦ Skid row alcoholics, drug addicts, and homeless

Control Theory ◦ The theory that compliance with social norms requires strong bonds between individuals and society.