Chapter 8 Deviance

Chapter Outline Defining Deviance Sociological Theories of Deviance Forms of Deviance Deviance in Global Perspective

Defining Deviance Sociologists define deviance as behavior that violates expected rules and norms. The sociological definition of deviance: – Stresses social context, not individual behavior. – Recognizes that not all behaviors are judged similarly by all groups. – Recognizes that established rules and norms are socially created, not just morally decreed or individually imposed.

Functionalist Theories of Deviance Deviance occurs when people's attachment to social bonds is diminished. Norms are meaningless unless there is deviance from the norms. Group coherence comes from a common definition of deviant behavior.

Durkheim: The Study of Suicide Three types of suicide: 1. Anomic - disintegrating forces in society make an individual feel lost and alone. 2. Altruistic - for the sake of a higher cause. 3. Egoistic - occurs when people feel totally detached from society.

Merton: Structural Strain Theory Categories of adaptation to social systems: Conformists accept society's goals and the means to achieve them. Innovators develop creative means to achieve goals set by society. Ritualists accept the means to the goals, but not the goals.

Merton: Structural Strain Theory Categories of adaptation to social systems: Retreatists accept neither the goals nor the means of the society. Politically rebellious reject the goals and the means of society and substitute other goals and means.

Functionalism: Weaknesses Does not explain: How norms of deviance are first established. Why some behaviors are defined as normative and others as illegitimate. How the inequities in society are reflected in patterns of deviance.

Conflict Theory of Deviance Links deviance to power relationships and social inequality. Crime committed among the poorest is the result of economic status. Elite deviants can hide their crimes and avoid criminal labels.

Conflict Theory of Deviance The law protects the dominant class and regulates populations that pose a threat to affluent interests. The power to define deviance confers a degree of social control to be used against less powerful people.

Conflict Theory: Strengths and Weaknesses Provides insight into power relationships in definition, identification, and handling of deviance. Describes different systems of justice for disadvantaged and privileged groups. Less effective in explaining deviance other than crime.

Symbolic Interaction Theories of Deviance People behave as they do because of the meanings attributed to situations. Deviance originates in the interaction between groups and is defined by society’s reaction to certain behaviors.

Symbolic Interaction Theories of Deviance W.I. Thomas and the Chicago School: Situational analysis: deviance is a normal response to social conditions in which people find themselves. People’s actions must be understood in social, not individualized frameworks.

Symbolic Interaction Theories of Deviance Differential Association Deviant behavior is learned through interaction with others. People pass on deviant expectations through their social groups and networks.

Symbolic Interaction Theories of Deviance Labeling Theory Responses of others is most significant in deviance. A person may become deviant because of a label, even if he/she did not engage in deviant behavior.

Forms of Deviance: Mental Illness Sociological explanations look to social systems that define, identify, and treat mental illness. – Functionalists - by recognizing mental illness, society upholds values about conforming behavior. – Symbolic interactionists – the mentally ill are victims of societal reactions to their behavior. – Labeling and conflict theory - people with fewest resources are most likely to be labeled mentally ill.

Social Stigmas A stigma is an attribute that is socially devalued and discredited. People with stigmas are stereotyped and defined only in terms of their presumed deviance. They may try to hide their stigma, isolating themselves from communities where they can get support.