Deviance and Social Control A.K.A. What is “bad,” how do we decide, and how do we respond?

Defining Deviance Refers to any violation of norms, regardless of severity. Non-judgmental term Key is the reaction, not the action. What is deviant to some is not deviant to others.

Norms Make Social Life Possible expectations or rules of behavior Create social order Develop systems of social control—how we enforce norms

How do we ensure people follow social norms? Short answer= rewards or punishments Positive Sanctions Negative Sanctions Shaming Degradation Ceremony

How is Deviance Explained? Low Intelligence “XYY” Theory—aggression Body Type—”squarish, muscular bodies” Sociobiology—answers within individual, genetic predispositions

Explanations Continued Subconscious motives make people deviant. No ties to childhood experiences or personality traits. Psychology—answers within individual, personality disorders

Explanations Continued External Influences: Socialization Subcultural Membership Social Class Sociology—factors outside the individual

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Differential Association Theory Control Theory Labeling Theory

Differential Association Deviance is LEARNED. Groups we associate with give us messages about conformity and deviance. Role of family, friends, neighborhoods, prison.

Control Theory Outer Controls—people Inner Controls—morality Stronger Bonds=less likely to deviate Attachments Commitments Involvements Beliefs Key Word= Self Control

Labeling Theory Labels are significant and become part of our self concept. Techniques of Neutralization Embracing Labels Power of Labels—Saints and Roughnecks

Functionalist Perspective Clarifies boundaries and affirms norms Promotes social unity Promotes social change Functions of Deviance

Strain Theory—Robert Merton We internalize markers of success, but not everyone has the same access to it. Cultural Goals—wealth, status, education, etc. Institutionalized means—legitimate was of achieving success

Strain Theory Continued People experience strain or frustration which can motivate them to be deviant Conformity vs. Deviance Deviant Paths Innovators-- Ritualism Retreatism Rebellion

Social Class and Crime Street Crime White-Collar Crime Common routes to success not attainable—lack of education or other skills Illegitimate Opportunity Structures—robbery, drug dealing, prostitution Greater concern for average citizens Embezzlement, income tax fraud, bribes Corporate crime Cost of white-collar crime is higher than street crime. Most is unpunished

Conflict Perspective Focus on power and inequality between “elites” and “everyone else.” Disproportionate consequences for crimes Idea that law is impartial is a myth

Medicalization of Deviance Reactions to Deviance Prison Most prisoners 18-44 yrs. old are men Half of prisoners are African American (12% of population) Connection to education Recidivism Over 50% of inmates are rearrested after release Raises the purpose of jail time Is it a deterrent for criminals? Death Penalty Not a punishment in all states Shows social class bias-52% haven’t finished high school Few women Minorities Medicalization of Deviance Attempts to connect deviant acts to mental illness Stance depends on how deviance is viewed