Deviance & Social Control Chapter 3

Social Control The enforcing of norms through either internal or external means Primary means of social control is SELF CONTROL accomplished through internalization of norms If people ignore basic norms social stability is lost and a society’s social order is jeopardized. No society can function long term without effective social control.

Brainstorming On notebook paper: Write two positive formal sanctions at BHS Write two positive informal sanctions at BHS Write two negative formal sanctions in the United States Write two negative informal sanctions in the United States

Deviance Behavior that violates significant social norms. Is socially determined and varies from society to society & may change over time. Give some examples of deviant acts

Stigma A mark of social disgrace that sets the deviant apart from the rest of society The power of the outward sign is a form of social control (Think Scarlet Letter) May take the form of negative social reactions (spoiled social identity…think eww creeper)

The Sociological Functions of Deviance Clarifying Norms Unifying the Group Diffusing Tension Promoting Social Change Providing Jobs

3 Sociological Approaches to Explaining Deviance Functionalist Approach Conflict Theory Interactionist Perspective

Functionalist Explanation of Deviance Strain Theory Says deviance is a natural outgrowth of a society’s norms and values Inability to meet society’s expected goals results in anomie or a situation in which an individual feels society’s norms are unclear or inapplicable to them.

Conflict Theory explanation of Deviance Competition and social inequality lead to deviance. Social life is a struggle between those with power (bourgeoisie) and those without (proletariat) People commit deviant acts to Obtain economic rewards As a result of low self esteem & powerlessness

Interactionist Perspective on Deviance 3 Theories of Deviance Control Theory Cultural Transmission Theory Labeling Theory

Control Theory Proposes that those who conform have stronger ties to the community. Deviants lack the social bonds required to encourage conformity

Cultural Transmission Theory Deviance is a behavior that is learned through interactions with others. Individuals are socialized into deviant behavior rather than socially acceptable behavior.

Labeling Theory Focuses on how individuals come to be identified as deviant. When do you get labeled as deviant? Primary deviance- deviance undetected by those in authority Secondary deviance- you get caught and are labeled a deviant.

Examples of Theories of Deviance Come up with examples for each of the following theories of deviance here at BHS: Strain Theory (Functionalist) Conflict Theory Control Theory Cultural Transmission Theory Labeling Theory

Degradation Ceremony Public action of labeling a deviant Trials Life changing Person is now judged in the light of the deviant label Becomes your “Master status” or who you are and becomes a self fulfilling prophecy restricting an individual’s options and encouraging further deviance.