The Social Functions of Deviance

Clarifying Norms deviance shows members of society exactly what is acceptable behavior when norm violators are caught, others are warned not to do that behavior

Unifying the Group deviance draws a line between “us” and “them” reinforces a sense of community and shared values among “us”

Diffusing Tension people sometimes are unhappy and need to be deviant in order to “let out some steam” as long as deviance doesn’t destroy the social order, it allows people to release some tension

Promoting Social Change deviance can help identify “problem areas” in society if enough people are deviant, it might be an indication that something in society needs changing

Providing Jobs deviance provides legitimate jobs for a number of people i.e.: police, judges, lawyers, prison workers, parole officers, criminologists, etc. – without deviance – they all have NO JOB!