DEVIANCE

Learning Goals You will: -Describe theories related to deviance -Summarize and interpret statistics on deviant behaviour -Describe methods of deterrence used in societies -Explain how social panic happens -Explain how deterrence and civil liberties conflict

What is Deviance? Behaviour that violates the standards of conduct or expectations of a group or society (Wickman, 1991) Could be considered deviant in one society and normal in another Standards of deviance based on: –Location –Age –Social status –Individual societies

People could be considered deviant based on their appearance, trait or physical ability Stigma (Goffman) – labels society used to devalue members of certain groups Stigmas can change over time What are some stigmas that you are aware of?

Consensus crimes have near-unanimous agreement that they are intolerable, harmful and require severe penalties Conflict crimes may be illegal, but there is disagreement about seriousness and penalties social deviations are not illegal acts but regarded as serious or harmful Social diversions violate norms in a provocative way – distasteful, but harmless

Social Control Internal – developed during socialization and lies within the individual External – based on social sanctions, both positive (smiles, words, awards) and negative (criticism, fines, imprisonment) Informal sanctions – applied by most members of the group –Thanking, ridiculing, gossip, facial expressions Formal sanctions –Imposed by authority figures, ie. Judges, teachers, police

Functionalist Perspective A common part of human existence, with both positive and negative consequences for social stability Negative – deviance erodes trust, widespread suspicion, causes nonconforming behaviours Positive – punishments demonstrates to others what society expects, defines proper behaviour Strain theory – deviance will be limited because people share goals and agree on the means to achieve them – deviance will be limited to when gaps exist between the goals and the means Control theory – conformity depends on strong bonds between individuals and society – if bonds are weak, deviance occurs

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Deviance is learned through interaction with others Differential Association Theory –People learn the techniques, attitudes of deviant behaviour from those with whom they associate – tendency to deviate when they frequently associate with people who favour deviance Labelling Theory –Attempts to explain why certain people are labelled deviants and others not even if behaviour is similar –Deviants are people who have been labelled as such

Conflict Perspective Suggests that the activities of the poor and lower-income individuals are more likely to be defined as criminal The criminal justice system treats suspects differently on the basis of their racial and ethnic backgrounds

What is crime? A deviation from social norms Subject to formal penalties Varies by time and place –Example: prohibition/alcohol Tends to affect some groups more than others –Example: violence against women 87.3% of sexual assaults 76.3% of confinement, kidnapping, abduction 75.7% of criminal harassment

How is crime tied to inequality? Why is crime underreported?

The Correctional System Designed to punish and deprive a person of freedom because of a criminal offence Four functions: –Retribution – imposing a penalty that fits the crime –Social protection – removing an offender from society rendering them incapable –Rehabilitation – attempts to return offenders to the community as law-abiding citizens –Deterrence – attempts to prevent crime by making people fear punishment

Deterrence is meant to use punished criminals as an example to keep others from committing crimes This requires that lawbreakers know 1) they are likely to get caught and 2) the punishment will be severe PROBLEM – the probability of being caught, arrested and convicted is low. Does the Prison System Benefit Society?

Restorative Justice Aims to restore social relationships rather than simply punishing Aims to repair the harm done to the victim and the community Involves the victim and community members as active participants to help reconcile offenders with those who were harmed The offender must acknowledge the wrongs committed and repair the harm caused