1. Outsiders-Studies in the Sociology of Deviance-Becker

2. Becker rejects previous conceptualization of deviance
The statistical definition-”too far removed from the concern with rule-breaking which prompts the study of outsiders” (p.5)
The pathological-”disease” model
i.e. deviance a product of mental disease which locates the source on deviance in the individual thus preventing us from seeing the social judgment involved.
Functionalist views-ignores the political aspect of the phenomenon.
Deviance as a failure to obey the rules.

3. Deviance is created by society.
“Deviance is not a quality of the act the person commits, but rather a consequence of the application by others of rules and sanctions to an “offender.” The deviant is one to whom that label has successfully been applied; deviant behavior is behavior that people so label” (p.9)

4. Types of Deviant Behavior
Obedient
Rule-breaking
Perceived
deviant
Falsely accused
Pure deviant
Not perceived deviant
Conforming
Secret deviance

5. Interested person who sustains deviant pattern
Becker dismisses the simultaneous model for the Sequential (deviance as a career)
Deviance as a self-fulfilling prophecy
Deviance as a master status
Member of a subculture

6. Subcultural mechanisms of support
greater possibility of engaging in deviant acts
ways, means, techniques
accept rational (hinder guilt)
support of other deviants (handle shame)
Protection
Offer/provide services

7. Exceptions to deviant label: juvenile homosexual hustlers
Juvenile who engage in homosexual acts with older males for $$. Don’t view themselves as homosexuals.
1) protected from police action since they are minors-they are treated as exploited children, 2) they look on the homosexual acts simply as a way to make $$ 3) the peer group only allows 1 type of activity (oral sex) & forbids them to get any special pleasure out of it or any endearments from the adult.; 4) Any infractions are punishable by gang. (Reiss, Jr, 1961)

8. Smoking Marijuana Both illegal and disapproved behavior
Psychological theory – smoke dope as a need for fantasy or an escape.
Becker argues deviate behavior in time produces deviant motivation.
Assumes the user is psychological normal
Interviewed 50 users

9. Becoming a marijuana user
Curiosity
Learn the technique-can’t smoke like a cigarette.
Learn to perceive the effects-have to connect the effects to the drug (i.e. intense hunger
Learn to enjoy the effects-
Is it fun?

10. Jazz musicians Musicians as Outsiders (self-selection)
“Although their activities are formally within the law, their culture and way of life are sufficiently bizarre and unconventional for them to be labeled as outsiders by more conventional members of the community”. (Becker, 1963, p, 79)
Notion of a calling
In group solidarity
Tolerance of other races and behavior
Hip vs square
Artists abhor squares telling what to play
Pressure of going “commercial” or “selling out”
Wives, girlfriends and families cramp their lifestyle
Perpetuate image of sexual prowess