Deviance 8.1

Essential Questions What are the nature and social functions of deviance? How do the three main theories explain deviance?

Key Terms Deviance Stigma Criminologists Strain Theory Control Theory Cultural Transmission Theory Labeling Theory Primary Deviance Secondary Deviance Degradation Ceremony

Deviance Behavior that violates significant social norms. Drag racing on a street or highway Using illegal drugs A man wearing women’s clothing Attacking another person with a weapon

Nature of Deviance Every society has countless norms which govern behavior. Because there are so many norms, violations are inevitable and unavoidable. NOT all norm violations are considered deviant.

What is considered deviant can vary from society to society. Divorce is legal in the US Divorce is illegal in the Phillipines Repeating an offense could label you as deviant. Two components required to label you as deviant. You must be committing a deviant act You must be stigmatized by society.

Stigma The mark of social disgrace that sets the deviant apart from the rest of society. Stigmas have been used as a form of social control throughout history. Example: Ancient Greeks would burn symbols into the bodies of criminals to warn others. Example: Prison inmates wear uniformed clothing and are assigned a number. (Visual Stigma)

When sociologists talk about stigmas they are usually referring to: the negative social reactions that result from being labeled deviant. That person is no longer seen as being normal or whole by society.

The Social Functions of Deviance Emile Durkheim observed that deviance has some uses in social life. Deviance helps to clarify norms, unify the group, diffuse tension, and promote social change. Deviance also helps to create jobs, such as law enforcement.

Clarifying Norms Deviance serves to define the boundaries of acceptable behavior. When rules are broken we are reminded of the norms that guide social life. Punishment serves as a reminder that certain behaviors will not be tolerated by society.

Unifying the Group Deviance also serves to draw the line between conforming members of society and “outsiders”, or the non-conforming members. Reinforces the sense of community and the belief in shared values.

Diffusing Tension When people are unhappy with their lives or social conditions, they may want to strike out against society. Minor acts of deviance serve as a safety valve. These acts relieve tension without disrupting the basic fabric of society.

Promoting Social Change Deviance can help prompt social change by identifying problem areas. When large numbers of people violate a particular norm it is often an indication that something in society needs to be changed.

Providing Jobs Deviance provides jobs for many people. Lawyers, Judges, Police Officers, Prison Personnel, Parole Officers, Criminologists, etc…

How can we explain deviance through our 3 main sociological theories How can we explain deviance through our 3 main sociological theories? Conflict Functionalist Interactionist

Functionalist Perspective The major functionalist explanation, strain theory was developed by sociologist Robert K. Merton. Strain Theory – views deviance as the natural outgrowth of the values, norms, and structure of society. [Individuals may be prevented from finding a job b/c of social conditions or b/c of lack of education. They are expected, however, to meet the goal of finding a job-society judges them according to how well they do so]

Conflict Perspective Competition and social inequality lead to deviance. There are those with power (Ruling Class) and those without (Lower Classes) Ruling Class commits acts of deviance to maintain their power. Lower Class commits acts of deviance to gain economic means or b/c of feelings of powerlessness.

Interactionist Perspective Interactionists offer three major explanations of deviance: Control Theory Cultural Transmission Theory Labeling Theory

Control Theory Control Theorists are more interested in why the person conforms rather than the causes of deviance. Looks at the social ties that are integrated into a community. Strong Communities have less acts of deviance. Weaker Communities have more acts of deviance.

Cultural Transmission Theory This theory explains that deviance is a learned behavior through socialization. The interaction of deviant individuals and others is more likely to cause deviant behavior. The norms being taught are deviant.

Labeling Theory Instead of focusing on why people perform deviant acts, labeling theory focuses on how individuals come to be identified as deviant. Deviance is labeled in two ways Primary Deviance Nonconformity – goes undetected in society. Not Deviant. Secondary Deviance Results in the individual being labeled as Deviant…and accepting the label as true.

Degradation Ceremony The process of labeling an individual as deviant. Public Setting – The individual is denounced, found guilty, and given the new identity of deviant. People begin to judge practically all of his or her actions in light of the deviant label. Deviant becomes the persons MASTER STATUS.

Explaining Deviance Perspective Theory Questions Functionalist Strain How do individuals respond to culturally approved goals and the legitimate means of achieving them? Conflict What is the result of competition and social inequality? (Deviance) Who decides what is deviant. (Ruling Classes) Interactionist Control Why do people conform to norms? (The strength of social ties determines conformity.) Cultural Transmission How do people learn conformity or deviance? (Through socialization, or interaction with others) Where does this learning mainly occur? (Primary Groups) Labeling How do people become identified as deviant? (Through secondary deviance, or being labeled as deviant)

The End.