1. How sociologists answer the question, “Why does deviance occur?”
Theories on Deviance
How sociologists answer the question, “Why does deviance occur?”

2. Anomie
According to sociologist Emile Durkheim, anomie is a social condition in which norms are weak, conflicting, or absent.
Without strong norms, individuals are unsure of how to behave and society becomes disorganized

3. Strain Theory
In 1968, a sociologist named Robert Merton’s adapted Durkheim’s concept of anomie into strain theory
Strain theory suggests that deviance is more likely to occur when there is a gap between cultural goals and the ability to achieve those goals by legitimate means.

4. Strain Theory
According to strain theory, people respond to strain in four ways:
Innovation = someone accepts the goal of success, but uses illegal means to achieve it.
Ritualism = someone rejects the goal of success, but still uses legitimate means.
Retreatism = someone rejects the goal of success and legitimate means of achievement.
Rebellion = someone substitutes new goals and means of achieving them.

5. Control Theory
Travis Hirschi’s 2001 control theory is also based on anomie.
He believes conformity to social norms depends on the presence of strong bonds between individuals and society.
Social bonds control the behavior of people, which prevents deviance from occurring

6. Control Theory
According to Hirschi, social bonds have four basic components:
Attachment = strong attachments increase conformity
Commitment = commitment to social norms increases conformity
Involvement = participation in approved social activities increases conformity
Belief = belief in the norms and values of society increases conformity

7. Differential Association Theory
Differential association theory proposes that an individual learns deviance in proportion to the number of deviant acts they are exposed to.
Three factors can affect differential association:
The ratio of deviant to non-deviant individuals
Whether the deviant behavior is practiced by significant others
Age of exposure

8. Labeling Theory
Labeling theory doesn’t explain why deviance occurs, but rather why it is relative
Society creates deviance by identifying particular members as “deviant.”
Labeling people as deviants can lead to a stigma (an undesirable trait or label that is used to characterize an individual)
Example?

9. Labeling Theory – Degrees of Deviance
Primary Deviance = occasional breaking of norms that is not a part of a person’s lifestyle or self-concept
Examples?
Secondary deviance = an individual’s life and identity are organized around breaking society’s norms