Deviance and Conformity

Defining Deviance Deviance is a behavior, trait, belief, or other characteristic that violates a social norm different in different cultures, times etc. Act doesn’t make it deviant….reactions do

Breaking Norms A scene from the film Little Miss Sunshine. What norms did the young girl violate? How did the unsuspecting audience try to cope? What would this girl have done if she wanted to conform?

Theories of Deviance Conflict theorists: connected to inequalities (poor, sick etc) Groups with power impose norms on less powerful groups Weak more likely to be criminalized. Is what he’s doing against the law?

Theories of Deviance Functionalists: deviance is good moral boundaries clear We know what should be against the law etc Provides social cohesion.

Theories of Deviance (Cont’d) Merton’s structural strain theory: Social norms pressure people to conform don’t conform? Might join sub-culture positive…..result in change? Maybe!

Merton’s Adaptations

Which type are you? Do you follow accepted means and goals? You’re a conformist.

Which type are you? Doing the bare minimum? You’re probably a ritualist.

Which type are you? If you want big rewards but don’t take the usual means…. You’re an innovator.

Which type are you? If you reject all society’s goals and means…… You’re a retreatist

Which type are you? If you’re a rebel, you reject social means and goals but also want to destroy society itself.

Theories of Deviance (cont’d) Symbolic Interactionist: interpersonal relations and everyday interactions shape what we think is deviant Differential association theory – we learn to be deviant by associating with deviant peers.

Theories of Deviance (cont’d) Labelling theory – deviants are just people who have been labelled that way. - people respond to the person as if he/she is deviant self-fulfilling prophecy?

Stigma and Deviant Identity Erving Goffman: stigma Something that devalues a person or group (physical appearance, moral..) might exclude them Consequence????

Deviance Avowal Someone self-identifies as deviant and starts their own labeling process.

Clues to How We Should Behave Informational Cues: - We look to others to help us understand what is going on Examples: - Fire Drill - War of the Worlds

Clues to How We Should Behave Normative Cues: - We look to others to tell us how we should react/behave Example: Serving size in restaurants

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Introduction to Sociology: Deviance and Conformity

Stanford Prison Experiment Discuss Questions Ethics????? Introduction to Sociology: Deviance and Conformity

Take Away Points: Deviance is the flip side of the same coin as conformity We all conform and deviate. We mostly conform. Deviance is relative Norms are defined mostly by those in power

Work Cited This powerpoint has been adapted from the powerpoint below: Wonser, Robert. “Lesson 7: Deviance and Conformity”. Introduction to Sociology. 11.05.16. Web.