Chapter 7 Section 2 Deviance

Sanctions cannot bring about total social control Behavior that violates significant social norms is called deviance Because society has so many norms, occasional violations are unavoidable What behavior is seen as deviance varies from culture to culture Often, a person is labeled a deviant for repeated, continuous violations of social norms

Deviance Stigma is a mark of social disgrace that sets the deviant apart from the rest of society Public humiliation has been used a form of social control and stigma since ancient times Does public humiliation work? Is it still around today?

Social Functions of Deviance** A society without deviance is an impossibility Deviance provides some positive functions within a society Deviance helps to: clarify norms, unify the group, diffuse tension, promote social change, provide jobs (police officers, corrections, etc.)

Explaining Deviance Functionalist Perspective Deviance is a natural part of society Strain Theory by Robert K. Merton views deviance as a natural outgrowth of norms, values, and structure of society. Society places a high value on certain goals or accomplishments. Not everyone has access to achieving these goals. Under the strain of incompatible goals and means, individuals fall victim to anomie- the situation that arises when the norms of society are unclear or no longer applicable.

Explaining Deviance Functionalist Perspective Merton suggests that people facing anomie resort to 5 modes of adaptation** as means of achieving those goals Not all of these modes of adaptation are equally deviant Conformists are not deviant at all Ritualists are not seen as a threat to the well-being of society Retreatists are seen as “unproductive” and often rely on support from others (i.e. a “drain” on society) Innovators and Rebels are often perceived as a “threat” to society

Conformity: culturally accepted goals and means of achievement, levels of effort involve “legitimate means” Innovation: accept the goals but not the means of achieving them. They innovate or create new ways to achieve the goal (violating social norms) [ex. Burglars, drug dealers] Ritualism: They abandon goals while maintaining expected rules of behavior. The ritual of upholding the norms becomes an end to itself [ex. A bureaucrat passes up a promotion rather than face failure] Retreatism: Reject both social goals and means of achievement. Retreatists make no effort to appear to share society’s norms and goals. Instead they simply drop out of society [ex. Beggars, drug addicts] Rebellion: Rebels want to substitute a new set of goals and the acceptable means to achieve them. To achieve alternate goals, they may use violent or nonviolent methods [ex. Leaders of a revolutionary movement]

Explaining Deviance Conflict Perspective Conflict theorists believe that competition and social inequality lead to deviance People with power commit deviant acts to maintain their position. People without power commit deviant acts to achieve economic rewards or improve their low self-esteem and end the powerless feeling of their situation

Explaining Deviance Interactionist Perspective Control Theory: Deviance is a natural occurrence. Those with strong ties to society are more likely to conform. People with weak ties to society are more like to be deviant. Ties to the community occur in 4 ways: Attachments to others Strong belief in society’s moral codes Show commitment to traditional values and goals Fully involved in non-deviant activities, leaving no time for deviant behavior

Explaining Deviance Cultural Transmission: deviance is learned and passed on in much the same way as non-deviant behavior, through interaction with others. A person is socialized into deviant behavior instead of conforming to social norms Differential association: refers to the frequency and closeness of associations a person has with deviant and non-deviant individuals (primary groups)

Explaining Deviance Labeling Theory: focuses on how people come to be identified as deviant. All people commit deviant acts, not everyone is labeled a deviant Two types of Deviance: Primary Deviance is the occasional violation of a norm. People who commit primary deviance do not see themselves as deviants neither does society. Secondary Deviance is deviance as a lifestyle and results in the individual being labeled as deviant and believing the label. The label is often a self-fulfilling prophecy. Treating people as deviants may encourage them to commit deviant acts.

Homework Pg. 167 #1-6