1. Deviance
Part 1

2. recognized violation of cultural norms
Deviance
recognized violation of cultural norms

3. Commonality
Some element of difference that causes us to regard another person as an “outsider”.
NO matter if they are positive or negative deviance……..
are you deviant or just rebellious?

4. Crime One category of deviance.
Violation of a society’s formally enacted criminal law
Include: Minor traffic violations to sexual assault to murder

5. Social control – important factor
Society attempts to regulate people’s thoughts and behavior
Include: Informally – scolding of a child’s behavior by a parent
Criminal justice system – formal response to an individual’s alleged violations of law from police, courts and prison officials.

6. Biological connection
Genetic research seeks possible links between biology and crime
No physical traits to distinguish criminals from non-criminals
Defective genes combined with environmental factors can help “create” a criminal
“Guilt by reasons of mental illness and insanity”

7. Personality factors
“Containment theory” suggests that strong moral standards and positive self-image can keep boys from being delinquent.
“good boys” = strong conscience
“bad boys” = weaker conscience
Personality is shaped by social experience
Critical evaluation – most crimes are committed by people who are psychologically normal.

8. Social foundations of deviance
Deviance varies according to cultural norms
People become deviant as other define them that way.
Both norms and the way people define rule- breaking involve social power.

9. Deviance varies according to cultural norms
No thought or action is inherently deviant
Becomes deviant only in relation to particular norms
Norms vary from place to place – therefore ….deviance varies
(domestic and foreign)
Example:
Prostitution is allowed in certain parts of NV
Gambling is legal in certain states
Mobile, AL: no stiletto heels
Topeka, KS: No snowball fights

10. People become deviant as other define them that way.
Violation of cultural norms
Behavior defines us as criminal or mentally ill according to the perception and response of others

11. Both norms and the way people define rule-breaking involve social power.
According to Karl Marx: The law is the means by which powerful people protect their interests.
Reflection of social inequalities
Examples:
Homeless man speaks out again the government – arrested for disturbing the peace
Politician discusses government issues during election campaign – receives police protection