1. Social Deviance

2. Definition
Individuals do not always internalize every norm of a society
There are always individuals who break rules of their society or group
Behavior that violates significant social norms is called deviance.

3. The Nature of Deviance Violation of norms is often unavoidable
Not all norm violations are considered deviant acts
Deviant behavior varies from cultures, time periods, and societies:
Murder is illegal, but is judged differently if a police officer kills someone in the line of duty
Divorce is legal in the United States but prohibited in the Philippines
All businesses used to be closed on Sunday, but now it has become more acceptable for businesses to be open.

4. Labeling Deviance To be considered a deviant an individual must:
Be detected committing a deviant act (known to other people)
Be stigmatized by society
*A stigma is a mark of social disgrace that sets the deviant apart from the rest of society

5. Stigma
A stigma is a mark of social disgrace that is used as a form of social control
EX: Having a criminal record labels you to the working world that you are a criminal
A stigma can also be a negative social reaction that results from being a social deviant
EX: labeling someone as “spoiled rotten” or with a bad reputation

6. 5 Social Functions of Deviance
Clarifies Norms: Sets the boundaries of acceptable behaviors
Unifies Groups: Determines who is a conforming member of society and who is not
Diffuses Tension: Allows individuals to relieve tension related to their unhappiness with society
Promotes Social Change: When large numbers of people violate norms, it is an indication that something in society needs to be changed
Provides Jobs: Judges, lawyers, police officers, prison workers, crime reporters are all required because social deviance exists

7. Crime Crime affects everyone’s lives, either directly or indirectly
A crime is an act that is labeled as such by those in authority, is prohibited by law, and is punishable by the government.

8. Types of Crimes
Violent Crimes: murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault
Crime Against Property: burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, arson
Victimless Crime: prostitution, illegal gambling, illegal drug use, vagrancy
White Collar Crime: fraud, tax evasion, embezzlement, price fixing
Organized Crime: Crime syndicate large-scale organizations that control business through violence (mafia)