Functionalism and Deviance Lesson 7-2

Costs and Benefits of Deviance  Functionalists believe there are positive and negative affects of deviance

Costs and Benefits of Deviance  Erodes trust  If not punished, deviance can cause nonconforming behavior in others  Deviant behavior is expensive  Deviance clarifies norms  May be a safety valve for teens  Increases unity within a society  Cerates jobs- new prisons  Promotes social change

Strain Theory  Anomie- a social condition in which norms are weak, conflicting, or absent – Individuals are unsure how they should act  Strain Theory- deviance is more likely to occur when a gap exists between cultural goals and the ability to achieve these goals by legitimate means.

How do People Respond To Strain Theory  Innovation- Person accepts the goal of success, but use illegal means to achieve it. – Robbery, drug dealing  Ritualism- Person rejects goal of success, but continues to go through the motions

How do People Respond To Strain Theory  Retreatism- Both the legitimate means and the approved goals are rejected. – Drug addicts, bag ladies, – People that have dropped out by choice not by circumstance  Rebellion- reject the goal and the means, but substitute a new set of goals and means – Some militia groups

Basic Elements of Social Bonds  Attachment- the stronger your attachments to groups or individuals, the more likely you are to conform.  Commitment-Greater your commitment to social goals, more likely you are to conform

Basic Elements of Social Bonds  Involvement-Participation in approved social activities increases the probability of conformity  Belief- Belief in norms and values of society promotes conformity.

Teen Smoking and Deviance  Is Teen smoking a deviant behavior?  Discuss ads in the 1960’s and 1970’s – Marlboro Man – Virginia slims  How has advertising changed today?  How does this reflect changes in beliefs in society?

Strain Theory