Functionalism and Deviance Chapter 7 Section 2

Costs and Benefits of Deviance Some deviance can contribute to smooth operation of society. Negative Effects: Erodes trust Can lead to more deviance in others. Expensive Diverts resources Benefits: Clarifies norms Makes society defend its values Increases unity within a group Promotes needed social change

Strain Theory Emile Durkheim’s Anomie: A social condition in which norms are weak, conflicting, or absent. Robert Merton applied this to deviance and developed Strain Theory. Theory that deviance is more likely to occur when a gap exists between cultural goals and the ability to achieve these goals by legitimate means.

Merton’s Strain Theory continued… When people accept the goal and means to achieve it is called: Conformity. Four Responses to Strain: Innovation: accepts goal, uses illegal means to achieve it. Ritualism: Rejects goal, continues to use legitimate means. Retreatism: rejects goals and legitimate ways of achieving, totally giving up. Rebellion: Reject both success and approved means for achieving it. Substitute new goals and means.

Control Theory Travis Hirschi’s control theory based on Durkheim’s views. Control theory: theory that compliance with social norms requires strong bonds between individuals and society 4 Basic Principles Attachment: More likely to conform with strong attachments. Commitment: Greater commitment leads to conformity. Involvement: Participation in approved social activity Belief: Belief in norms and values leads to conformity.

Your assignment Write an explanation for each positive and negative effect of deviance (8 total).