“Theories of Deviance”

Strain Theory Theoretical Perspective: “Functionalism” Who and When: Robert Merton (1968) Strain Theory Definition: deviance is more likely to occur when a gap exists between— cultural goals (American Dream) AND the ability to achieve them

Strain Theory Four Components: Innovation: person accepts cultural goals but uses illegal methods to achieve them Ritualism: person rejects cultural goals but uses legitimate methods

Strain Theory Four Components: Retreatism: person rejects cultural goals and legitimate methods Rebellion: person rejects cultural goals and legitimate methods; creates new goals & methods Strain Theory You Tube Clip  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuzYGzXJJcw

Control Theory Theoretical Perspective: “Functionalism” Who and When: Travis Hirschi (1972) Control Theory Definition: compliance to social norms require strong bonds between individuals and society Example Children adhere to their parents requests and rules because they respect and love them Weak Social Bonds = Deviant Behavior

Control Theory Four Components of Social Bonds: Attachment: the stronger the relationship the more likely you will conform Involvement: the more participation in socially approved activities the more likely you will conform to society

Control Theory You Tube Clip  Four Components of Social Bonds: Belief: believing in societies norms and values results in conformity to society Commitment: the more committed you are to societies goals the more you will conform to society Control Theory You Tube Clip  (play from start to 2:10) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ziDCUvThck

Differential Association Theory Theoretical Perspective: “Symbolic Interactionism” Who and When: Edwin Sutherland(1939) Theory Definition: we learn deviance through the number deviant acts we are exposed to in our life Example - Son grows up watching Mom get beat up by Dad - Son gets married, abuses his wife Observing More Deviant Acts = Increases Chance of Deviant Behavior “I learned it from watching You” Video Clip  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Elr5K2Vuo

Differential Association Theory Three Characteristics: The Ratio of Deviant people to Non-Deviant people observed during ones life Occurrence of Deviant behavior by ones significant others during ones life The age to which one was exposed to deviant behavior Observing More Deviant Acts = Increases Chance of Deviant Behavior Differential Association Theory You Tube Clip  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bres-1Wq7j8

Labeling Theory Theoretical Perspective: “Symbolic Interactionism” Who and When: Howard Becker (1963) Labeling Theory Definition: Society creates deviance by identifying (through labels) people who are deviant Example

Labeling Theory Based on a given label a deviant gets a: Stigma: status attached to a person by members of society based on disapproval of their deviant act Results: Negative effects on the person that is labeled Could lead to more deviant acts by person labeled Perpetuates deviant acts Affects: Self-esteem Self-image Self-concept

Labeling Theory You Tube Clip  The Components: Primary Deviance: committing deviant acts are limited and not a person’s norm Example caught once drinking and driving Secondary Deviance: committing deviant acts are a persons way of life and a norm Example drink and drive all the time Labeling Theory You Tube Clip  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJr1mr8oYMA

Spitzer’s Theory Theoretical Perspective: “Conflict” Who and When: Steven Spitzer(1980) Theory Explanation: Industrialized societies protect themselves against deviants Example

According to Spitzer’s Theory Deviants are: those who criticize industrial society and challenge societal norms those who do not work (have jobs) those who threaten private property those who petition and protest against authority are deviants.

“THE END”