Outsiders-Studies in the Sociology of Deviance-Becker

Becker rejects previous conceptualization of deviance The statistical definition-”too far removed from the concern with rule-breaking which prompts the study of outsiders” (p.5) The pathological-”disease” model i.e. deviance a product of mental disease which locates the source on deviance in the individual thus preventing us from seeing the social judgment involved. Functionalist views-ignores the political aspect of the phenomenon. Deviance as a failure to obey the rules.

Deviance is created by society. “Deviance is not a quality of the act the person commits, but rather a consequence of the application by others of rules and sanctions to an “offender.” The deviant is one to whom that label has successfully been applied; deviant behavior is behavior that people so label” (p.9)

Types of Deviant Behavior Obedient Rule-breaking Perceived deviant Falsely accused Pure deviant Not perceived deviant Conforming Secret deviance

Interested person who sustains deviant pattern Becker dismisses the simultaneous model for the Sequential (deviance as a career) Deviance as a self-fulfilling prophecy Deviance as a master status Member of a subculture

Subcultural mechanisms of support greater possibility of engaging in deviant acts ways, means, techniques accept rational (hinder guilt) support of other deviants (handle shame) Protection Offer/provide services

Exceptions to deviant label: juvenile homosexual hustlers Juvenile who engage in homosexual acts with older males for $$. Don’t view themselves as homosexuals. 1) protected from police action since they are minors-they are treated as exploited children, 2) they look on the homosexual acts simply as a way to make $$ 3) the peer group only allows 1 type of activity (oral sex) & forbids them to get any special pleasure out of it or any endearments from the adult.; 4) Any infractions are punishable by gang. (Reiss, Jr, 1961)

Smoking Marijuana Both illegal and disapproved behavior Psychological theory – smoke dope as a need for fantasy or an escape. Becker argues deviate behavior in time produces deviant motivation. Assumes the user is psychological normal Interviewed 50 users

Becoming a marijuana user Curiosity Learn the technique-can’t smoke like a cigarette. Learn to perceive the effects-have to connect the effects to the drug (i.e. intense hunger Learn to enjoy the effects- Is it fun?

Jazz musicians Musicians as Outsiders (self-selection) “Although their activities are formally within the law, their culture and way of life are sufficiently bizarre and unconventional for them to be labeled as outsiders by more conventional members of the community”. (Becker, 1963, p, 79) Notion of a calling In group solidarity Tolerance of other races and behavior Hip vs square Artists abhor squares telling what to play Pressure of going “commercial” or “selling out” Wives, girlfriends and families cramp their lifestyle Perpetuate image of sexual prowess