presented by: jarrett hurms. deviance & social control
TRANSCRIPT
Key Terms Deviance is the violation of social norms Key terms are:
o Devianceo Negative devianceo Positive devianceo Social controlo Social sanctions
The Nature of Deviance
Deviance-behavior that departs from social norms.
It can range from criminal behavior to wearing heavy makeup (considered deviant by some religious groups).
Deviance can be positive or negative. What deviance actually is varies from group to
group depending on how they define deviant behavior.
Negative Deviance Behavior that fails to meet acceptable norms. People either reject the norms, misinterpret the
norms, or are unaware of the norms. Example: Visiting another country
Positive Deviance Involves over conformity to norms which leads to
an imbalance and extremes of perfection. Idealize group norms.
The Nature Of Deviance
Deviance is mostly used to describe violations of significant norms.o Significant norms are those that are highly important to
most members of a society or to members with the most power.
Devianto A person who has violated one or most of society’s most
highly valued norms.o Reactions to deviants are usually negative and involve
attempts to change or control the deviant behavior.
Social Control Social Control
o Ways to promote conformity to norms.o Two types of social control.
• Internal and external
All societies have ways to promote order, stability, and predictability.
What is Internal Social Control?
Within an individual Developed during the socialization process. Example: When you do something because you
just feel it is the right thing to do, you are practicing internal social control
Internalization of norms
What is External Social Control?
Based on social sanctions-rewards or punishments that encourage conformity to social norms.
Positive and negative sanctions. Positive-awards used to increase a behavior. Negative sanctions-criticisms, fines, and
imprisonment. Sanctions may be formal and informal.
o Informal-ridicule, gossip, and smiles.o Formal-imprisonment, low grades, and official awards.
Cost & Benefits of Deviance
Functionalist perspective emphasizes social stability and the way different parts of a society contribute to the whole.
What are some of the Negative effects of Deviance?
Deviance erodes trust. If not punished deviance can cause others to
perform deviant behavior. Deviance stimulates deviance in others. Deviant behavior is expensive.
How does Deviance Benefit a Society?
Society can sometimes benefit from deviance.o When a child is taken away from neglectful parents it provides
an example to take care of their children. Deviance can be a temporary safety valve.
o Teens listen to music, wear clothes, and watch TV that parents may see as deviant behavior.
This minor act of deviance may help students from the many pressures they face.
Deviance increases unity within a society or a group. When a deviant behavior reminds people of something
they value, it strengthens their commitment. Deviance promotes needed social change.
o Example: Martin Luther King Jr., Women’s Rights Movement, etc.
The Strain Theory Created by Robert Merton Theory that deviance is more likely to occur when
a gap between cultural goals and the ability to achieve these goals by legitimate means.
Every society establishes goals and approved ways of reaching those goals.o Example: U.S. goal is wealth and possessions.o Education and hard work are the two means of achieving
wealth and possessions
Merton’s Strain TheoryCulturally Approved Goal: Success
Socially Accepted Way to Succeed: Hard Work
Conformity Response
Deviant Response Examples
Accepts goal of success
Accepts hard work as the appropriate way to succeed
Conformity-Works hard to succeed
Business Executive
Accepts goal of success
Rejects hard work as the appropriate way to succeed
Innovation-finds illegal ways to succeed
Criminal
Rejects goal of success
Accepts hard work as the appropriate way to succeed
Ritualism-acts as if he wants to succeed but does not exert much effort
Unmotivated teacher
Rejects goal of success
Rejects hard work as the appropriate way to succeed
Retreatism-drops out of the race for success
Skid row alcoholic
Rejects goal of success
Rejects hard work as the appropriate way to succeed
Rebellion-substitutes new way to achieve new goals
Militia group member
Responses to the Strain Theory
There are four responses to The Strain Theory.o Innovationo Ritualismo Retreatismo Rebellion
Innovation The individual accepts the goal of success but
uses illegal means to achieve it (deviant). Robbery, drug dealing, or other criminal activities. Most widespread and most obvious type of
deviant response.
Ritualism The individual rejects the goal of success but
continues to use the legitimate means. People go through the motions without really
believing in the process.
Retreatism Deviant response in which both the legitimate
means and the approved goals are rejected. Example: Alcoholics, drug addicts, and drop outs
Rebellion People reject both success and the approved
means for achieving it. Substitute new goals and means (Example: militia
group members). Want to change society. Example: Create their own currency, violate gun
laws, and threatening law enforcement.
The Control Theory Control Theory-theory that compliance with social
norms requires strong bonds between individuals and society.
Social bondso Attachmento Commitmento Involvemento Belief
Differential Association Theory
Emphasized the role of primary groups in transmitting deviance.
Deviance is transmitted through socialization in the same way that non-deviant behavior is transmitted.
Delinquent behavior can be transmitted from gangs to play groups.
Deviance is learned from peer pressure.
Differential Learning Theory
Three characteristics Ratio of deviant behavior to non-deviant
individuals.o Person who hangs with deviants is more likely to adopt
deviant tendencies. Whether the deviant behavior is practiced
significant to others:o People are more likely to copy deviant behavior that are
important to them. The age of exposure of deviant behavior:
o Younger children learn deviant behavior more quickly than other children.
Labeling Theory Explains why deviance is relative. Deviant behaviors are always a smaller of social
definition. Deviance only exists when others label one
another as deviant.
Two Degrees of Deviance
Primary deviance:o Person engages in isolated acts of deviance.
Secondary deviance:o Deviance is a lifestyle and is a personal identity.
Consequences of Labeling
Stigma-an undesirable characteristic or label that is used to characterize an individual.
Example: An ex-convict isn’t accepted by society because he is labeled with the stigma as a “jailbird.
Deviance in Industrial Society
Critics of industrial society are considered deviants because of their beliefs challenge its economic, political, and social basis.
Because industrial societies require a willing workforce. Those who will not work are considered deviant.
Those who threaten private property, especially that belonging to the rich, are prime targets for punishments.
People who show a lack of respect for authority are treated as deviants.
Violent behavior in sports is accepted because it fosters competition, achievement, teamwork, and winning.
The Relationship Between Race, Ethnicity, & Crime
Supporters of the conflict theory of deviance believe that minorities receive unequal punishment and treatment under the law.
African Americans and Hispanics are dealt more harshly with than whites.o More likely to be convicted and serve longer time.
Why are Minorities & Whites Treated Differently?
Conflict theory suggests:o Minorities generally do not have the economic resources
to buy good legal services.o Crimes against whites tend to be more punished more
severely than crimes against minorities.o Victim discounting-process of reducing the seriousness
of the crimes that injure people of the lower status.