SELF TEST What does it mean to be deviant? Is deviance a positive or negative term? Why? Why are we so uncomfortable with deviance?

DO I FIT IN OR AM I A DEVIANT?? BIG IDEA: EVERYONE IS A DEVIANT ESSENTIAL QUESTION: WHY DO WE CARE SO MUCH ABOUT THOSE WHO DEVIATE?

DEVIANCE SOCIETAL NORMS : Mostly INTERNALIZED

Societal Norms are also enforced through SANCTIONS Both POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SANCTIONS, however, do not guarantee TOTAL SOCIAL CONTROL

 Behavior, beliefs, or conditions that are recognized as violating expected VALUES and NORMS of a society or group. DEVIANCE:

1. Recognizes that established rules and norms are socially created, not universal or absolute. THERE IS TECHNICALLY NO SUCH THING AS DEVIANCE. IT IS A GROUP LABEL DESIGNED TO SEPARATE THOSE WHO DO NOT CONFORM BIG IDEA: EVERYONE IS A DEVIANT AT SOME POINT Sociological understandings about deviance:

2.An individual considered “ deviant ” by one category of people may be seen as “ conformist ” in another group: 2.An individual considered “ deviant ” by one category of people may be seen as “ conformist ” in another group: Find the deviant in this picture: Find the deviant in this picture:

3. Social situations and norms determine what is right and wrong, not individual behavior. How can this Individual be both 1. A Deviant who would Face negative social sanctions and 2. A Conformist who receives social Praise?

4. Recognizes that not all behaviors are judged similarly by all groups.

The critical variable in the study of deviance, then, is the social audience rather than the individual actor ”. - Kai T. Erikson (1964)

What does it take to be labeled a DEVIANT? 1. GETTING “CAUGHT” NPHS graduate and Enron CFO Andrew “Andy” Fastow

2. BEING STIGMATIZED (labeled) Goal of stigmatizing: 1.SPOIL SOCIAL IDENTITY 2. PUBLIC HUMILIATION SERVES AS WARNING

What social function does deviance serve? 1. Unifying the group: Lets us know who the outsiders are – “us vs. them” 2. Clarifies norms: Deviants are punished!

FIVE Theories about the origin of Deviant behavior:

Cultural Transmission Theory: Deviance is learned. Your primary socialization group gives you their values and norms. You accept them as “normal”

 According to Hirschi’s social control theory, deviance is more apt to occur when a person ’ s (or group ’ s) social bonds are weakened.  Social norms are typically solidified because of their attachments to others.  When that bond is broken, deviance occurs. Social Control Theory: Hirschi

Opportunity Theory People are more likely to participate in deviance if they have access to deviant groups or individuals Deviant Social Groups and Networks Gangs Deviant Subcultures Peer Groups

Labeling Theory Everyone engages in deviant behavior but usually no one knows about it. 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 (similar to looking glass theory / self-fulfilling prophecy).

Yes…it does

Conflict theories about Deviance Traditionally in America: Rich (Ideal) v. Poor (Deviant). However, some sense a change….

Structural Strain Theory (MERTON): Society sets goals for behavior. 5 possible reactions to societies goals 1. CONFORMITY: You accept societies goals and societies’ methods of achieving them

2. INNOVATION: figure out your own way to achieve societies’goals (keep the goal; reject the method = e.g. quit college & start a company)

3. RITUALISM: Give up societies goals but continue to go “through the motions” so that it looks like you are still trying to achieve the goals.

4. Retreatism: Individuals reject goals and norms and methods of attaining them (junkies, hermits, monks)

5. Rebellion: New goals and new norms. Old society is thrown away

Merton’s Structural Strain Theory Cultural goals accepted? Culturally acceptable method to achieve them? Conformity Innovate Ritualism Retreatism Rebellion

Sociological Theories of Deviance Functionalism 1.Occurs when attachment to social bonds is diminished SOCIAL CONTROL (HIRSHI) 2.Deviance creates social cohesion (us v them) OPPORTUNITY THEORY 3.Deviance results from structural strains in society. STRUCTURAL STRAIN THEORY (MERTON) Symbolic Interaction Those with the power to assign deviant labels create deviance. Deviance is learned behavior. CULTURAL TRANSMISSION THEORY Deviance results from social labeling LABELING THEORY Conflict Theory (Marx) Elite deviance goes largely unpunished. Dominant classes control the definition of deviance Deviance results from inequality in society.

Good News for Deviants!! Society is working harder to “tolerate” those previously labeled as deviants: 1.No Bullying: Attacks on those perceived as socially deviant 2.Non-Conformity Celebrated: it is becoming more socially acceptable to be “different” 3.Inclusion in Education: The law now says that children must be educated in the “least restrictive environment” (i.e. most “normal”) 4.Bias and Hate Crime legislation: Attacks on people because of their backgrounds or lifestyles are now viewed as more serious crimes.