1. Deviance
Unit 2

2. Definition
Behavior that departs from significant societal or group norms

3. 25 years ago, only bikers and other “so-called deviants” wore tattoos.
The Nature of deviance
Although tattoos and body piercings are now relatively common, this was not always the case.
25 years ago, only bikers and other “so-called deviants” wore tattoos.
25 years ago, men could not have pierced their ears without facing social stigma.

4. Who decides what OR who is deviant?
Agreed upon by consensus
Occasional violations are unavoidable
When a society deems a behavior is no longer deviant, the behavior usually works its way into the mainstream
Ex: Current trends in tattoos and ear- pierced men of all ages!

5. How is a person labeled deviant?
One violation vs. Repeated offenses
Situational – ex: killing someone
Behavior has serious consequences for society
Labeling has two components
Behavior must be known to others
Stigmatized – mark of social disgrace
Example: getting a speeding ticket. Not deviant if it happens once; however, many times would label give her a reputation, label her as a reckless driver : DEVIANT
B. Situational: it is wrong to kill someone, but what about military, or officers in line of duty
C. Murder, sexual assault, robbery labeled after one act
D. Stigmas: ancient greeks cutting/burning signs into body as warning that they were to be avoided
Chain gangs
Scarlet Letter
Visual sign is warning but also form of public humiliation
“Spoiled social identity”

6. Social Functions
High levels disruptive; low levels serve positive function
Unifying groups: draw line between insiders/outsiders
Clarifying norms : define boundaries of acceptable behavior
Diffusing tension: safety valve, protest w/o destroying social order
Identify Problems – frequent violations signify something needs to change
Providing jobs- law enforcement

7. Table talk
What behavior/s were considered deviant when your parents were in high school that are no longer thought to be a departure from societal norms?

8. Explaining deviance
Structural Strain Theory
Natural outgrowth of values, norms and structure of society
American society places high value on certain goals such as economic success, but not everyone has capacity to achieve
Anomie- norms of society are unclear or non-applicable
Merton: we respond to goals and means to achieve in one of five ways
5. Most often conform; when anomie created, some turn to deviance (four types)
Innovation Retreatism
Ritualism Rebellion

9. Merton’s Structural strain theory
Deviant

10. Cultural Transmission Theory
Explaining Deviance
Cultural Transmission Theory
Deviance is a learned behavior, through interaction with others
Differential association: proportion of associations a person has with deviant vs non-deviant individuals
2. If a persons associations are mostly with deviant individuals, the person is likely to be socialized into patterns of deviant behavior, etc.
Concept determined based on a sociologist’s observations that certain neighborhoods have high rates of crime while others don’t
Views everyone as conformists; difference between deviants and the rest of society lies in the norms to which each chooses to conform: culture or counterculture

11. Explaining Deviance B. Control Theory
Strength of community bonds determines level of deviance
Individuals who have weak ties to community are less likely to conform
Individuals who are integrated are likely to conform
C. Conflict Theory
Competition and social inequality lead to deviance
Struggle between those with power and those without

12. Explaining Deviance
D. Labeling Theory
Focuses on how people are labeled rather than why deviance occurs
Primary deviance: nonconformity that goes undetected by authority
Secondary deviance: individual is labeled as deviant and accepts label as true

13. Which of these theories do you agree with the most? Why?
Table talk
Which theory views deviance as a learned behavior?
Which theory views deviance as a label that is placed on a individual?
Which theory views deviance as a competition?
Which theory views deviance as dependent on community bonds?
Which of these theories do you agree with the most? Why?