Theories of Deviance Essential Question: Which of the three/eight theories of deviance best explain what causes deviance?

Symbolic Interactionism is when society is viewed as composed of symbols that people use to establish meaning, develop their view of the world, and communicate with one another

Differential Association: indicates that we learn to deviate from society’s norms from the different groups we associate with. Deviance is LEARNED – Families (1/2) – Friends/Neighborhoods – Subcultures

Control Theory- suggests that 2 control systems work against out motivation to deviate. Inner Control Outer Control The stronger your bond is with society – the more effective your controls are.

Labels become a part of our identity(self Concept) and help to set us on the path to deviate or not.

People are able to resist negative labels – Denial of Responsibility – Denial of Injury – Denial of Victim – Condemnation of the Condemners – Appeal to Higher Loyalties

Some embrace deviant labels Power of Label: – Saints and the Roughnecks

The Functionalist Perspective is when society is viewed as composed of various parts, each with a function that, when fulfilled, contributes to societies equilibrium.

Clarifies moral boundaries and affirms norms Promotes social Unity Promotes social Change

Society motivated everyone to reach cultural goals But only gives access to institutional means to some Strain Theory: the desire of a cultural goal without the legitimate means of achieving it leads to the choice of innovative means like crime.

Mode of AdaptationCultural GoalsInstitutionalized Means ConformityAccept Accept InnovationAcceptReject RitualismRejectAccept RetreatismReject RebellionReject/Replace

Conflict Theory is based on the view that society is composed of groups of people that are competing for scarce resources.

Power Elite that control society also controls the Criminal Justice System Capitalists vs. Working Class Marginal Working Class – most likely to commit crime.

The law is designed by the powerful to maintain their privileged positions – White collar crime is not the focus – Street crimes of the working class is the focus

Essential Question: Which of the three theories of deviance best explain what causes deviance?