“Deviance”

Public attention and the media focus on criminal deviance involving property and personal harm. But for sociologists the concept of deviance is more wide-reaching and includes any behaviour that is subject to regulation and social control (Germov & Poole, 2015)

Definitions Strictly speaking, the concept would include any behaviour that does not conform to social norms…the sociology of deviance is primarily concerned with violations that are considered offensive by a wide range of people. For our purposes, then, deviance is behaviour that violates significant social norms and is disapproved by large numbers of people as a result. (Robertson, 1989) Try to list three examples of deviance in contemporary Australian society (CAS)

Definitions Norm or rule breaking behaviour that is usually subject to negative social sanctions. Deviance can also be defined as behaviour that transgresses a community’s standards and which is condemned by influential social groups. Smoking Other types of drug-taking Being unemployed

Definitions Non-conformity to a given norm, or set of norms, that is accepted by most of society. (Giddens, 2006)

Crime A crime is a “deviant” act which is against the law, and punishable by law within society. While all crimes are deviant, not all acts of deviance are classed as criminal.

Have you ever….?

Society cannot be divided into the ‘sheep’ and the ‘goats’ (Robertson, 1989) Robertson explains that people in society cannot be divided into the “normal” and the “deviants”. In other words, they cannot be separated into those who conform and those who do not. Most people have violated one or more important norms at some point in their lives. The thing is…most people escape discovery of their deviant behaviour, are not stigmatised, and generally do not regard themselves as deviant at all. (Robertson, 1989)

The Sociological view For sociologists “deviance” is not a thing, a type or person or a behaviour. It is a PROCESS. In other words “deviance” is a social construction and because it is a social construction it is RELATIVE.

Religious view of “deviance” The Soul

Biological view of “deviance” Genetic malfunction

Psychological view of “deviance” Psychologists may see deviance as being a result of biological or environmental factors. However, it sees deviance as being implanted into the personality in a deep way. For example: infancy A little motor that drives us for the rest of our lives.

Sociologists – deviance is socially constructed and therefore is relative. Milgram (not something in people’s personality) Adolph Eichmann Zimbardo

Deviance is relative: Relative to: TIME, PLACE, CULTURE, SOCIAL SITUATION. Durkheim (Suicide rates) differ between countries Murder rates (Canada, US, Singapore)

Deviance is relative: Time: Examples of behaviour considered deviant in the past, but not now….? Being a divorced woman

Deviance is relative: Time: Drugs

Deviance is relative: Time: Homosexuality

Deviance is relative: Time: Masturbation

Deviance is relative: Culture: Polygamy

Deviance is relative: Religion/Culture: Eating certain types of meat. Jewish religion/culture: Cattle and game that have “cloven hooves” and “chew the cud.” 

Deviance is relative: Place/Culture: The way people eat. China vs. Australia (e.g. restaurant etiquette)  

Exam requirements Define what is meant by deviance. Discuss the relativity of deviance. Construct an argument that evaluates alternative theories used to explain deviance.