Chapter 7, Deviance, Conformity and Social Control The Role of Context in Defining Deviance Deviance: The Violation of Norms Defining Deviance Structural Strain Theory Differential Association Theory Factors that Shape U.S. and Chinese Systems of Social Control

The Nature of Deviance Almost any behavior or appearance can qualify as deviant under the right circumstances. Conceptions of what is deviant may vary over time and place.

Deviance Is A Complex Concept Definitions of deviance change over time and place. Not everyone who commits a deviant act is caught and not everyone who is punished committed the crime. Rule makers, rule enforcers and the larger social audience affect how behaviors or appearances are defined as deviant.

Deviance and Society Deviance is important to society for two reasons: Ritual for identifying and exposing wrongdoing, determining a punishment, and carrying it out, binds together the members of a group. Deviance is useful in making necessary changes and preparing people for change.

Labeling Theory For every rule a social group creates, four categories of people exist: Conformists Pure deviants Secret deviants Falsely accused

Labeling Theory: 2 Assumptions Rules are socially constructed. Those rules are not enforced uniformly or consistently.

Structural Strain Three factors: Culturally valued goals defined as legitimate for all members of society. Norms that specify the legitimate means of achieving these goals. The actual number of legitimate opportunities available to people to achieve the culturally valued goals.

Responses to Structural Strain Conformity Innovation Ritualism Retreatism Rebellion

Traits of the Chinese Civilization Confucian system of ethics - emphasizes order, justice, harmony, personal virtue and obligation, devotion to family and respect for tradition, age and authority. System of family responsibility making each member responsible for the conduct of other family members.

Traits of the Chinese Civilization Imperial tradition gives rulers supreme authority over the lives of the people. No regime in China has ever relinquished its power with out first resorting to bloodshed.