Define the term Deviance. Warm Up 3/27/14 Define the term Deviance.

Answer Deviance- is the recognized violation of cultural norms.

Deviance The major category of deviance is CRIME. Crime is the violation of a society’s formally enacted criminal laws. This can range from traffic violations to homicide.

Social Control Social control – attempts by society to regulate people’s thoughts and behavior. This processes is informal and usually is directed through parents raising their children, teachers, coaches and mass media.

Criminal Justice Serious deviance such as homicide require more than simple social control. The criminal justice system which is a formal response by police, courts and prison officials to alleged violations of the law are used to punish those who commit serious deviance.

Example Charlotte mayor accused of bribery, extortion FBI agents on Wednesday arrested the mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina, for allegedly taking tens of thousands of dollars worth of bribes "in exchange for the use of his official position," the U.S. attorney's office said. Patrick D. Cannon, 47, faces federal charges of theft and bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud and extortion under color of official right, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney Anne Tompkins of western North Carolina.

Biological Context Originally it was believed that criminals were the way they were because of their biology. If you looked a certain way you were more likely to be a criminal. (this has nothing to do with race!) In the early 1900’s William Sheldon suggested that body structure could lead to criminal actions. He said that men with strongly built bodies were more likely to become criminals based on his research into body types of criminals in the past. In 2003 after a 25 year study University of Wisconsin found that genetic factors paired with environmental factors were the best way to determine the likelihood of someone being a criminal.

Personality Factors Most sociologists believe that personality is largely built by socialization. Thus when people become criminals it is due to failed or unsuccessful socialization. Some personality factors have been linked to deviance such as: Not feeling guilt or shame No fear of punishment Little to no sympathy Even with this link most serious crimes are committed by people with perfectly normal psychological profiles.

Social Foundations 1) Deviance varies according to social norms Not thought or actions is inherently deviant. Each culture creates norms that in turn create deviance. 2) People become deviant as others define them that way. EVERYONE violates cultural norms at one point or another. (have you ever “borrowed” a pen and not returned it?) How people react to this deviance defines us! 3) Both norms and the way people define rule-breaking involve social power. “the law is the means by which powerful people protect their interests.” – Karl Marx Ex. A homeless people who stands on the street protesting the government risks being arrested but a politician running for mayor does the same thing and he receives police protection.

Structural-Functions analysis Durkheim’s Basic Insight 1)Deviance affirms cultural values and norms There can be no good without bad! 2) Responding to deviance clarifies moral boundaries. By defining deviance we can draw a line in the sand between right and wrong. 3) Responding to deviance brings people together People typically react to deviance with shared outrage. 4) Deviance encourages social change. Deviant people push the boundaries and make us rethink our stances. (Perfect examples: marijuana and gay marriage)

Merton’s Strain Theory Merton argues that society needs some deviance but often society is set up in a way that encourages too much deviance. He believes the type of deviance people engage in depends on the means they are provided such as schooling and job opportunities. Ex. We have seen a rise in crime over the last 5 years due to a poor job market. Inability to reach cultural goals (ex. The American Dream) is a general cause for deviance.

Exit Slip Explain Durkheim’s Basic Insight