Chapter 8Presented by: Jarrett Hurms

Part 1Deviance & Social Control

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.

Part 2Functionalism & Deviance

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.

Part 2The Strain Theory

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.

Part 3The Control Theory

The Control Theory Control Theory-theory that compliance with social

norms requires strong bonds between individuals and society.

Social bondso Attachmento Commitmento Involvemento Belief

Part 5Social Interactionism & Deviance

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.

Part 6Conflict Theory & Deviance

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.

White Collar Crime White collar crime-job related crime committed

by high status people. Economic crimes such as price fixing, insider

trading, illegal rebates, embezzlement, bribery, etc.