1. Deviance Theories
Sociology

2. Strain Theory Robert K. Merton (F)
Deviance is the natural
High values on certain goals: economic success.
Under the Strain of incompatible goals and means….victim to Anomie- a social condition in which norms are weak, conflicting or absent.
Emile Durkheim

3. Five Modes to Adaptation
Strain Theory

4. 1. Conformity
Accepts hard work as the appropriate way to succeed

5. 2. Innovation
Accepts the goals but do not accept the approved means. Use illegal means to achieve the goals.

6. Ritualism
Gives up the goal while continuing to observe the expected rules of behavior. Go through the motions, gave up on the goal.

7. Retreatism
Rejects the goals and the socially acceptable means of attaining them.

8. Rebellion
Substitutes a new set of goals and means for achieving those goals.

9. Control Theory Travis Hirschi (F)
Influenced by Durkheim
Conformity result of Social Control
Weak ties to the community…more likely to commit deviant acts.
Communities have strong Social Bonds have lower rates of Deviant behavior.

10. Social Bonds Attachment to others Belief in the moral codes
Commitment to traditional values/goals
Involvement in nondeviant activities
Strong bond leads to conformity b/c the individual has too much to lose!

11. Differential Association Theory (S)
Edward Sutherland
Criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others.
A person is more likely to copy deviant behavior from a significant other.
Younger children learn deviant behavior more quickly than older children. Why?

12. D.A.T. Criticisms and Contributions
Fails to explain the deviant behavior of the first-time impulsive shoplifter or the improvised person who steals out of necessity.
Directs our attention to the paramount role of social interaction.

13. Labeling Theory (S) Edwin Lemert Howard Becker Deviant identity
Stigma: a powerfully negative public identity, to an individual who is believed to have violated important norms.

14. Two Types of Deviance (labeling)
Primary Deviance
Nonconformity that goes undetected by those in authority.
Individuals who commit acts of P.D. do not consider themselves to be deviant.
Secondary Deviance
Norm violation is known, labeled as deviant.
Impacts your life.
Direct effects of stigmatization.
Self-image….master status.

15. Formally Labeling individuals
Degradation ceremony
In a public setting, such as a trial, the individual is denounced, found guilty, and given a new “identity” of deviant. Society imposes a stigma that may be difficult to escape.

16. The End
Sociology