Theories of Deviance

Cultural Transmission Sociologist: Edwin Sutherland

Cultural Transmission Deviance is learned, mainly from other deviants

Cultural Transmission The more time one spends around deviant people, the more likely they are to become deviant

Cultural Transmission “differential association” -- the amount of time one spends around deviants

Structural Strain Sociologist: Robert K. Merton Emile Durkeim

Structural Strain Every society has culturally defined “legitimate” goals

Structural Strain Every society has culturally defined “legitimate” means of achieving goals

Structural Strain Society places a high value on the goals, but some people lack access to the means (thus the strain)

Structural Strain Responses to this vary...

Structural Strain Means Goals

Control Theory Sociologist: Travis Hirschi Emile Durkheim

Control Theory Deviance is a natural occurrence

Control Theory Conformity is the result of social control

Control Theory The social bond: Attachment Commitment Involvement

Control Theory Summary -- people with strong social bonds will be less likely to commit deviance, and vice versa

Conflict Theory Karl Marx

Conflict Theory Competition and social inequality lead to deviance

Conflict Theory The “Haves” commit deviance to maintain their power and to alleviate boredom

Conflict Theory The “Have-nots” commit deviance to obtain power and due to low self-esteem

Labeling Theory Sociologists: Edwin Lemert & Howard Becker

Labeling Theory Differentiation appearance cultural being caught and labeled “deviant”

Labeling Theory Primary deviance: minor deviance that everyone commits that does not result in being labeled

Labeling Theory Secondary deviance: deviance that results in being caught and labeled “deviant”

Labeling Theory “Career Deviance” -- “deviant” or some deviant label becomes one’s master status

Labeling Theory Summary: Everyone commits some acts of deviance

Labeling Theory Summary: Once one is caught and labeled, their life changes, other opportunities are lost