1. Why do people commit deviant acts?
Theories of Deviance
Why do people commit deviant acts?

2. 1. Functionalist theories
Strain Theory
Says deviance is caused by incompatible goals and means
Anomie: norms of society are unclear, causes confusion
People have 1 of 5 responses to society’s goals (3 modes of adaptation):
1. Conformity: Only legitimate way to achieve goal.
2. Innovation: Accept goals, but not the way to achieve them
Ex. Shoplifter, drug dealer

3. 1. Functionalist Theories
3. Ritualism: Find it impossible to achieve goals, so abandon goal but continue to behave nicely.
Ex. Pass up opportunity for promotion rather than face failure.
4. Retreatism: Reject both cultural goals and acceptable way to meet them; make no effort to achieve
Ex: Drug addicts, beggars
5. Rebellion: Substitute a new set of goals for old ones; pose a threat to society

4. 2. Conflict Theories
Believe competition and social inequality lead to deviance.
Upper class uses deviance to keep power.
Lower classes are deviant because:
Low self-esteem
Feeling of powerlessness
Our society tends to punish the deviance of the lower class more than that of the upper class

5. 3. Interactionist Theories
Control Theory
People who have strong ties to their community are less likely to be deviant.
Communities in which most members have strong social bonds will have lower rates of deviance.
Cultural Transmission Theory
Deviance is learned behavior
Differential association – If you hang out with deviants you are more likely to become one
Labeling Theory
Looks at how deviants become identified as deviants
Primary (undetected) v. Secondary (labeled) Deviance
Being labeled as deviant may encourage deviant behavior