1. Deviance 9e Alex Thio Chapter Two: Positivist Theories
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2. Introduction
Positivists try to explain horrible deviant acts, such VA Tech shootings, through past social experiences (ex. Inadequate or flawed socialization and grievances against society)

3. Anomie-Strain Theory Anomie: breakdown of social norms
A-S theory examines how anomie causes deviance
Merton focused on goals-means gap
Ways in which society encourages deviant behavior (by setting unreasonable goals but not the tools needed to attain them)

4. Anomie-Strain Theory – cont.
Durkheim: anomie is absence of norms and this leads to deviance
Merton: (Different view than Durkheim) deviance occurs when society encourages individuals to commit it by creating a type of pressure that promotes deviance

5. Anomie-Strain Theory – cont.
Merton:
Legitimate means of success not freely available to all classes
Lower classes are trapped into resorting to illegitimate means to achieve success (the level of success promoted by social institutions as normal, appropriate and attainable)
By encouraging high aspirations and denying avenues of success, society inadvertently creates deviance
Conformity: accepting both society-approved goals and means
Innovation: use of illegitimate means to achieve socially accepted/promoted high success goals
Ritualism: abandoning high success goals but pursuing legitimate work
Retreatism: withdrawal from goals and means of society
Rebellion: rejection of prevailing social expectations and support for overthrowing the system (ex. social institutions, bureaucracy, etc.)

6. Albert Cohen: Status Frustration
Cohen modified Merton’s strain theory by introducing the delinquent subculture driven by status frustration
According to Cohen, lower-classed youths react (status frustration and reaction formation) to the unreasonable middle-class measuring rod (social expectations) by turning to deviance

7. Anomie-Strain Theory – cont.
Cloward & Ohlin: extended Merton’s theory by focusing on differential illegitimate opportunities
3 types of illegitimate opportunities/subcultures:
Criminal subculture; youth achieve goals by stealing, robbing and fencing (moving stolen goods)
Conflict subculture; violent gangs give status to thugs
Retreatist subculture; drug use

8. Anomie-Strain Theory – cont.
New direction in A-S theory:
More emphasis on U.S. culture that values success by any means
Pursuit of economic success leads to lack of concern for others and promotes self interest
Exploring other areas of strain, e.g. death of loved one, serious illness and relationship problems
Presence of negative stimuli, e.g. child abuse and neglect

9. Social Learning Theory
Deviant behavior is learned through one’s interaction with others like any other behavior
Sutherland: deviance occurs in people who have more concentrated criminal than anti-criminal contacts (differential association)

10. Social Learning Theory – cont.
Glaser’s differential identification theory: individual must identify with criminals
Burgess & Akers’ differential reinforcement or social learning: people will engage in criminal activity if rewarded

11. Control Theory
Explores why people conform, not deviate; accepts Freudian idea that deviance can occur naturally, without social control
Hirshi: strong bonds to society ensure conformity while weak bonds lead to deviant acts
Tittle: lack of control balance – too little or too much control over others -- can cause deviance
Braithwaite: proposed shaming as form of social control
Disintegrative shaming – Shunning, Stigmatization, banishment, etc.
Reintegrative shaming – More positive in that the wrongdoer is shunned and banished, but then openly welcomed back into the community.

12. Control Theory – cont.
Deterrence doctrine: emphasizes role of formal social control in deterring deviance
Assumes that humans are rational and will continue to commit crime unless the cost (punishment) is severe
Severity, certainty and swiftness all can influence crime rate
General deterrence: deter public from committing crime through punishment examples
Specific deterrence: meant to deter criminals from committing more crime