Deviance Unit 2

Definition Behavior that departs from significant societal or group norms

25 years ago, only bikers and other “so-called deviants” wore tattoos. The Nature of deviance Although tattoos and body piercings are now relatively common, this was not always the case. 25 years ago, only bikers and other “so-called deviants” wore tattoos. 25 years ago, men could not have pierced their ears without facing social stigma.

Who decides what OR who is deviant? Agreed upon by consensus Occasional violations are unavoidable When a society deems a behavior is no longer deviant, the behavior usually works its way into the mainstream Ex: Current trends in tattoos and ear- pierced men of all ages!

How is a person labeled deviant? One violation vs. Repeated offenses Situational – ex: killing someone Behavior has serious consequences for society Labeling has two components Behavior must be known to others Stigmatized – mark of social disgrace Example: getting a speeding ticket. Not deviant if it happens once; however, many times would label give her a reputation, label her as a reckless driver : DEVIANT B. Situational: it is wrong to kill someone, but what about military, or officers in line of duty C. Murder, sexual assault, robbery labeled after one act D. Stigmas: ancient greeks cutting/burning signs into body as warning that they were to be avoided Chain gangs Scarlet Letter Visual sign is warning but also form of public humiliation “Spoiled social identity”

Social Functions High levels disruptive; low levels serve positive function Unifying groups: draw line between insiders/outsiders Clarifying norms : define boundaries of acceptable behavior Diffusing tension: safety valve, protest w/o destroying social order Identify Problems – frequent violations signify something needs to change Providing jobs- law enforcement

Table talk What behavior/s were considered deviant when your parents were in high school that are no longer thought to be a departure from societal norms?

Explaining deviance Structural Strain Theory Natural outgrowth of values, norms and structure of society American society places high value on certain goals such as economic success, but not everyone has capacity to achieve Anomie- norms of society are unclear or non-applicable Merton: we respond to goals and means to achieve in one of five ways 5. Most often conform; when anomie created, some turn to deviance (four types) Innovation 3. Retreatism Ritualism 4. Rebellion

Merton’s Structural strain theory Deviant

Cultural Transmission Theory Explaining Deviance Cultural Transmission Theory Deviance is a learned behavior, through interaction with others Differential association: proportion of associations a person has with deviant vs non-deviant individuals 2. If a persons associations are mostly with deviant individuals, the person is likely to be socialized into patterns of deviant behavior, etc. Concept determined based on a sociologist’s observations that certain neighborhoods have high rates of crime while others don’t Views everyone as conformists; difference between deviants and the rest of society lies in the norms to which each chooses to conform: culture or counterculture

Explaining Deviance B. Control Theory Strength of community bonds determines level of deviance Individuals who have weak ties to community are less likely to conform Individuals who are integrated are likely to conform C. Conflict Theory Competition and social inequality lead to deviance Struggle between those with power and those without

Explaining Deviance D. Labeling Theory Focuses on how people are labeled rather than why deviance occurs Primary deviance: nonconformity that goes undetected by authority Secondary deviance: individual is labeled as deviant and accepts label as true

Which of these theories do you agree with the most? Why? Table talk Which theory views deviance as a learned behavior? Which theory views deviance as a label that is placed on a individual? Which theory views deviance as a competition? Which theory views deviance as dependent on community bonds? Which of these theories do you agree with the most? Why?