DEVIANCE and DEVIANCE and SOCIAL CONTROLSOCIAL CONTROL

Defined as an act that violates a Defined as an act that violates a social norm.social norm.

Refers to any action that is perceived Refers to any action that is perceived as violating some widely shared as violating some widely shared moral values or norms of a society or moral values or norms of a society or group culture.group culture.

Prerequisite to deviance is the Prerequisite to deviance is the violation of standards of conduct or violation of standards of conduct or expectations of a group of society.expectations of a group of society.

Kinds of devianceKinds of deviance

PositivePositive

- develops, hones, and uplifts the - develops, hones, and uplifts the

personality of the person.personality of the person.

NegativeNegative

- destroys, injures, jeopardizes the - destroys, injures, jeopardizes the

personality of the person.personality of the person.

Some forms of devianceSome forms of deviance

Criminal and non-criminal devianceCriminal and non-criminal deviance

- involves violation of criminal law.- involves violation of criminal law. Social definition of devianceSocial definition of deviance

- involves violation of social norms.- involves violation of social norms.

Bio-Psychological Theories of Bio-Psychological Theories of DevianceDeviance

According to Cesare Lombroso According to Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909), considered as the (1835-1909), considered as the Italian father of criminology, Italian father of criminology, ““criminal deviants have low criminal deviants have low cranial capacity, retreating cranial capacity, retreating forehead, highly developed forehead, highly developed frontal sinuses, tufted hair, large frontal sinuses, tufted hair, large ears, and relative insensibility to ears, and relative insensibility to pain.” pain.”

1. Somotypes1. Somotypes

- - in 1940, William H. Sheldon in 1940, William H. Sheldon conducted another study related to conducted another study related to Lombroso’s claim that Lombroso’s claim that “crime is “crime is biologically determined.” biologically determined.” He He concluded that we could predict concluded that we could predict man’s likes and dislikes by man’s likes and dislikes by measuring his body.measuring his body.

(The Varieties of Human Physique)

The theory of SOMOTYPES stated The theory of SOMOTYPES stated that people’s behavior or that people’s behavior or temperament is determined by their temperament is determined by their physique. physique.

According to this theory there are 3 According to this theory there are 3 somotypes:somotypes:

1. 1. endomorphsendomorphs – people who are fat, – people who are fat,

and round, with short tapering limbs.and round, with short tapering limbs.

2. 2. ectomorphsectomorphs – people who are thin, – people who are thin,

delicate, and bony, with small faces, delicate, and bony, with small faces,

sharp noses, and fine hairs.sharp noses, and fine hairs.

3. 3. mesomorphsmesomorphs – people who are – people who are big-big-

boned and muscular with large boned and muscular with large trunks, trunks,

heavy chests, and large wrists and heavy chests, and large wrists and

hands.hands.

Temperamentally, Temperamentally, ENDOMORPHSENDOMORPHS are relaxed, outgoing people who like are relaxed, outgoing people who like comfort and eating.comfort and eating.

ECTOMORPHSECTOMORPHS shrink from big shrink from big crowds, noise, and distractions and crowds, noise, and distractions and have numerous complaints, allergies, have numerous complaints, allergies, and skin troubles, and usually suffer and skin troubles, and usually suffer from chronic, fatigue and insomnia.from chronic, fatigue and insomnia.

Mesomorphs Mesomorphs are usually the are usually the troublemakers and have the greatest troublemakers and have the greatest chance of becoming delinquent.chance of becoming delinquent.

- they are active, walk and talk, and - they are active, walk and talk, and often behave aggressively. often behave aggressively.

2. Genetics2. Genetics

- this comprises one of the present - this comprises one of the present day criminology theories that day criminology theories that continue to offer a genetic continue to offer a genetic explanation for the cause of violent explanation for the cause of violent crime.crime.

The theory suggests that excessive The theory suggests that excessive aggression and hostility are the aggression and hostility are the result of the presence of an extra Y result of the presence of an extra Y chromosome.chromosome.

Proponents of this theory argue that Proponents of this theory argue that there is a disproportionate number of there is a disproportionate number of criminal men with an XYY criminal men with an XYY chromosomal make-up as compared chromosomal make-up as compared to the remaining population.to the remaining population.

3. Pathology3. Pathology - another biological explanation of - another biological explanation of

deviance today is evident in deviance today is evident in Alcoholics Anonymous programs Alcoholics Anonymous programs which, according to Preston (1975), which, according to Preston (1975), are based on the belief that are based on the belief that alcoholism is both alcoholism is both “a physical “a physical allergy and mental compulsionallergy and mental compulsion,,”” or simply a physical sickness as a or simply a physical sickness as a form of social deviance. form of social deviance.

According to Smith and Preston According to Smith and Preston (1982), pathology has been popular (1982), pathology has been popular and satisfying explanation for and satisfying explanation for deviance because of two main deviance because of two main reasons:reasons:

1.Pathology-based theory is easily 1.Pathology-based theory is easily understood since everyone knows understood since everyone knows what disease is and this is easily what disease is and this is easily given credibility.given credibility.

2.Pathology removes the element of 2.Pathology removes the element of blame, i.e., no person or institution is blame, i.e., no person or institution is responsible for deviant behavior responsible for deviant behavior since it is caused by physical or since it is caused by physical or emotional problem of the individual. emotional problem of the individual.

4. Socio-biological theories4. Socio-biological theories In his book entitled Sociobiology:The In his book entitled Sociobiology:The

New Synthesis, Edward O. Wilson New Synthesis, Edward O. Wilson (1978) conceives of sociobiology as a (1978) conceives of sociobiology as a science with a broad scope: entire science with a broad scope: entire societies. His general assumption has societies. His general assumption has been based on the works of those been based on the works of those applying biology in explaining applying biology in explaining deviance behavior.deviance behavior.

He (Wilson) assumes that human He (Wilson) assumes that human social behavior is genetically social behavior is genetically determined to the extent that biology determined to the extent that biology defines human learning potential.defines human learning potential.

The human mind is not blank that The human mind is not blank that simply records and assimilates simply records and assimilates experiences, but instead, it is experiences, but instead, it is biologically programmed to accept biologically programmed to accept certain experiences while rejecting certain experiences while rejecting others. others.

There are many sociobiological There are many sociobiological approaches to explain deviant approaches to explain deviant behavior. According to Charles H. behavior. According to Charles H. McCaghy (1985), in his book Deviant McCaghy (1985), in his book Deviant Behavior: Crime, Conflict, and Behavior: Crime, Conflict, and Interest Groups, the approaches fall Interest Groups, the approaches fall into one of the following categories:into one of the following categories:

1.) Evolutionary process 1.) Evolutionary process

- these theories are concerned with - these theories are concerned with the long-term development of the long-term development of specific behaviors over the course specific behaviors over the course of generations. The most that these of generations. The most that these studies contributed is that they studies contributed is that they sensitize us to the manner in which sensitize us to the manner in which biological factors may affect biological factors may affect behavior. behavior.

2.) Genetic Differences2.) Genetic Differences - these theories are concerned with - these theories are concerned with

how behavior is influenced by how behavior is influenced by hereditary factors that are mere hereditary factors that are mere immediate that those formed during immediate that those formed during evolution.evolution.

- of particular interest here is the - of particular interest here is the hypothesis that certain mental hypothesis that certain mental disorders often re-occur among disorders often re-occur among generations of the same family. generations of the same family.

5. Neurophysiological differences5. Neurophysiological differences - these theories concern a wide

range of physiological factors that might influence human behavior. They include:

1) hormone imbalance 2) vitamin deficiency 3) brain malfunctioning 4) any organic aspects that might interfere with learning or behaving

It has to be noted that psychological, It has to be noted that psychological, like biological explanation of like biological explanation of deviance, tend to be individualistic, deviance, tend to be individualistic, focusing on abnormalities in the focusing on abnormalities in the individual personality.individual personality.

Although some of these Although some of these abnormalities are hereditary, abnormalities are hereditary, psychologists view most of these as psychologists view most of these as a result of socialization.a result of socialization.

6. Psychological Causes6. Psychological Causes

6.1 Psychodynamic Perspective –refers 6.1 Psychodynamic Perspective –refers to to

unfulfilled needs and unresolved unfulfilled needs and unresolved

conflicts.conflicts.

* * Psychological deprivation Psychological deprivation – –

parental-rejection, deprivation of parental-rejection, deprivation of

attention and affection due to strongattention and affection due to strong

need for affiliation and social status.need for affiliation and social status.

* * displaced aggression – displaced aggression – direct direct

expression of antisocial impulses; expression of antisocial impulses;

difficulty in impulse control.difficulty in impulse control.

6.2 Behavioral Perspective – refers to6.2 Behavioral Perspective – refers to

the fact which states that “learningthe fact which states that “learning

theorists believe that a devianttheorists believe that a deviant

behavior is learned and reinforced;” behavior is learned and reinforced;”

or the individual is conditioned to or the individual is conditioned to

doing it. Refers also to social doing it. Refers also to social

learning theory.learning theory.

6.3 Cognitive Perspective – 6.3 Cognitive Perspective – maintains maintains

that a deviant behavior is that a deviant behavior is manifested manifested

as a result of some ideas or as a result of some ideas or beliefs beliefs

that the individual has about.that the individual has about.

Under the psychological theories, it is Under the psychological theories, it is held that since personality is shaped held that since personality is shaped by social experiences throughout life, by social experiences throughout life, deviance is usually understood to be deviance is usually understood to be the result of “the result of “unsuccessfulunsuccessful” ” socialization.socialization.

Psychological explanations of Psychological explanations of deviance downplay biological factors deviance downplay biological factors and emphasize instead the role of and emphasize instead the role of parents and early childhood parents and early childhood experiences, or even behavioral experiences, or even behavioral conditioning, in producing deviant conditioning, in producing deviant behavior. behavior.

Psychological explanation of Psychological explanation of deviance assumes that the seeds of deviance assumes that the seeds of deviance are planted in childhood deviance are planted in childhood and that adult behavior is and that adult behavior is manifestation of early experiences manifestation of early experiences rather than an expression of on-rather than an expression of on-going social or cultural factors. going social or cultural factors.

Ergo, the deviant individual is viewed Ergo, the deviant individual is viewed as a psychologically sick person who as a psychologically sick person who has experienced has experienced emotional emotional deprivation deprivation or or damage during damage during childhoodchildhood..

Anti-Social Personality DisorderAnti-Social Personality Disorder

Jethro was the leader of a teenage Jethro was the leader of a teenage street gang that was reputed to be the street gang that was reputed to be the most vicious in the neighborhood. He most vicious in the neighborhood. He grew up in a chaotic home atmosphere, grew up in a chaotic home atmosphere, his mother having lived with a series of his mother having lived with a series of violent men who were heavily involved in violent men who were heavily involved in drug dealing and prostitution. At the age drug dealing and prostitution. At the age of 18, Jethro was jailed for the brutal of 18, Jethro was jailed for the brutal mugging and stabbing of an older adult mugging and stabbing of an older adult woman. This was the first time in a long woman. This was the first time in a long

series of arrests for offenses ranging from series of arrests for offenses ranging from drug trafficking to car thefts to counterfeiting. drug trafficking to car thefts to counterfeiting. At one point, between jail terms, he met a At one point, between jail terms, he met a woman at a bar and married her the next woman at a bar and married her the next day. Two weeks later, he beat her when she day. Two weeks later, he beat her when she complained about his incessant drinking and complained about his incessant drinking and involvement with shady characters. He left involvement with shady characters. He left her when she became pregnant, and he her when she became pregnant, and he refused to pay child support. From his refused to pay child support. From his vantage point now as a drug trafficker and vantage point now as a drug trafficker and leader of a child prostitution ring, Jethroleader of a child prostitution ring, Jethro

shows no regret what he has done, shows no regret what he has done, claiming that life has “claiming that life has “sure given me sure given me a bum steera bum steer.”.”

Diagnostic FeaturesDiagnostic Features

This diagnosis is assigned to adult This diagnosis is assigned to adult who as children showed evidence of who as children showed evidence of conduct disorder and who, from the conduct disorder and who, from the age of 15, have shown a pervasive age of 15, have shown a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation pattern of disregard for and violation of all the rights of others, as of all the rights of others, as indicated by three or more of the indicated by three or more of the following:following:

1.1. Repeated engagement in behaviors Repeated engagement in behaviors that are grounds for arrest.that are grounds for arrest.

2.2. Deceitfulness, such as lying, using Deceitfulness, such as lying, using false identities, or conning others for false identities, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.personal profit or pleasure.

3.3. Impulsivity, or failure to plan ahead.Impulsivity, or failure to plan ahead.

4.4. Irritability and aggressiveness, such Irritability and aggressiveness, such as repeated fights or assaults.as repeated fights or assaults.

5.5. Reckless disregard for the safety of Reckless disregard for the safety of self or others.self or others.

6.Consistent irresponsibility, such as 6.Consistent irresponsibility, such as repeated failure to keep a job or repeated failure to keep a job or honor financial obligations.honor financial obligations.

7. Lack of remorse, such as being 7. Lack of remorse, such as being indifferent to or rationalizing one’s indifferent to or rationalizing one’s hurtful or dishonest behavior. hurtful or dishonest behavior.

7. Psychoanalytic theory7. Psychoanalytic theory

- - this is based on the work of this is based on the work of Sigmund Freud and his followers. Sigmund Freud and his followers. This theory holds that the This theory holds that the unconscious (the part of individual unconscious (the part of individual consisting of irrational thoughts and consisting of irrational thoughts and feelings of which he/she is not feelings of which he/she is not aware) causes one to commit deviant aware) causes one to commit deviant acts.acts.

According to Freud, our personality has three According to Freud, our personality has three parts:parts:

1) 1) ID ID – our irrational drives and instincts.– our irrational drives and instincts. 2) 2) SUPEREGO SUPEREGO – our conscience and guide – our conscience and guide as internalized from our parents and as internalized from our parents and other authority figures.other authority figures. 3) 3) EGO EGO – the balance among the – the balance among the

impulsiveness impulsiveness of the ID, the restrictions and demands of of the ID, the restrictions and demands of

the the superego, and the requirements of the superego, and the requirements of the society.society.

According to psychoanalytic theory, According to psychoanalytic theory, all of us have deviant tendency all of us have deviant tendency because of the ID. But, we learn to because of the ID. But, we learn to control our behavior because of control our behavior because of socialization.socialization.

Most of the people are able to Most of the people are able to function effectively according to function effectively according to society’s norms and values.society’s norms and values.

8. Behavior theories8. Behavior theories

- people adjust and modify their - people adjust and modify their behavior in response to the rewards behavior in response to the rewards and punishments elicited by their and punishments elicited by their actions. If an action leads to actions. If an action leads to favorable outcome, one is likely to favorable outcome, one is likely to repeat the action. If a behavior leads repeat the action. If a behavior leads to unfavorable outcomes, one is not to unfavorable outcomes, one is not likely to do the same action.likely to do the same action.

According to this approach, deviant According to this approach, deviant behavior is learned by a series of behavior is learned by a series of trials and errors. trials and errors.

One learns to be a snatcher, or a One learns to be a snatcher, or a thief in the same way the thief in the same way the professionals learned their professionals learned their profession, or the artists learn their profession, or the artists learn their craft. craft.

9. Containment theory9. Containment theory - Walter Reckless and Simon Dinitz - Walter Reckless and Simon Dinitz

(1967) explained juvenile delinquency (1967) explained juvenile delinquency asas

outcome of the children’s personality outcome of the children’s personality traits.traits.

- under this theory, the desire to - under this theory, the desire to engage in delinquent activities can be engage in delinquent activities can be contained if the young individuals have contained if the young individuals have developed strong moral values and a developed strong moral values and a positive self-image in younger age.positive self-image in younger age.

It is held in this theory that the It is held in this theory that the “good “good children”children” seem to have a strong seem to have a strong conscience (or Sigmund Freud’s conscience (or Sigmund Freud’s superego), generally coped well with superego), generally coped well with frustration, and identified positively frustration, and identified positively with cultural norms and values. Hence, with cultural norms and values. Hence, they are far from becoming deviant. they are far from becoming deviant. This is usually not the case among This is usually not the case among what is described as what is described as “bad children.”“bad children.”

Sociological Theories of Sociological Theories of DevianceDeviance

1. Functionalist Theory1. Functionalist Theory

- Emile Durkheim said that there is - Emile Durkheim said that there is nothing abnormal with deviance. He nothing abnormal with deviance. He gave four major functions of deviance:gave four major functions of deviance:

1) Deviance affirms cultural values and 1) Deviance affirms cultural values and

norms.norms.

2) Responding to deviance clarifies 2) Responding to deviance clarifies moral moral

boundary.boundary.

3. Responding to deviance 3. Responding to deviance promotes promotes

social unity.social unity.

4. Deviance encourages social 4. Deviance encourages social change.change.

2. Strain theory2. Strain theory

- Robert Merton claimed that - Robert Merton claimed that American society pushes individuals American society pushes individuals toward deviance by overemphasizing toward deviance by overemphasizing the importance of monetary success the importance of monetary success while failing to emphasize the while failing to emphasize the importance of using legitimate importance of using legitimate means to achieve success.means to achieve success.

Merton meant that those people Merton meant that those people occupying favorable positions in the occupying favorable positions in the social class structures have many social class structures have many legitimate means at their disposal to legitimate means at their disposal to achieve success. On the other hand, achieve success. On the other hand, those in unfavorable positions do not those in unfavorable positions do not have such means. have such means.

In this case, the goal of financial In this case, the goal of financial success combined with unequal success combined with unequal access to important environmental access to important environmental resources creates deviance. resources creates deviance.

Merton gave the following types of Merton gave the following types of deviance that emerge from this strain:deviance that emerge from this strain:

(pp. 218-219)(pp. 218-219)

1) Conformity – involves accepting 1) Conformity – involves accepting both the cultural goal of success and both the cultural goal of success and the use of legitimate means for the use of legitimate means for achieving that goal.achieving that goal.

- conformists use positive success goal - conformists use positive success goal and legitimate means.and legitimate means.

2) Innovation – this response involves 2) Innovation – this response involves accepting the goal of success but accepting the goal of success but rejecting the use of socially accepted rejecting the use of socially accepted means to achieve it, turning instead means to achieve it, turning instead to unconventional illegitimate meas.to unconventional illegitimate meas.

- The innovator resorts to deviant - The innovator resorts to deviant ways of reaching a cultural validated ways of reaching a cultural validated goal.goal.

3) Ritualism – occurs when people no 3) Ritualism – occurs when people no longer set high goals but continue to longer set high goals but continue to toil as conscientious, diligent workers. toil as conscientious, diligent workers.

- The ritualists are people who - The ritualists are people who deemphasize or reject the importance deemphasize or reject the importance of success once they realize they will of success once they realize they will never achieve it and instead never achieve it and instead concentrate on following or enforcing concentrate on following or enforcing these rules than ever was intended. these rules than ever was intended.

4) Retreatism – this means withdrawal 4) Retreatism – this means withdrawal from society, caring neither about from society, caring neither about success nor about working.success nor about working.

- The retreatists are individuals who have - The retreatists are individuals who have pulled back from society altogether and pulled back from society altogether and who do not pursue culturally legitimate who do not pursue culturally legitimate goals. goals.

- Examples of these are vagabonds, - Examples of these are vagabonds, outcasts, drug addicts, alcoholics, and outcasts, drug addicts, alcoholics, and other similar groups.other similar groups.

5) Rebellion – this occurs when people reject 5) Rebellion – this occurs when people reject and attempt to change both the goals and and attempt to change both the goals and the means approved by society.the means approved by society.

- The rebels try to overthrow the existing - The rebels try to overthrow the existing system and establish a new system with system and establish a new system with different goals and means. different goals and means.

- The rebels reject both the goals of what to - The rebels reject both the goals of what to them is an unfair social order and the them is an unfair social order and the institutionalized means of achieving them.institutionalized means of achieving them.

- They propose alternative societal goals - They propose alternative societal goals and institutions.and institutions.

It has to be noted that Merton It has to be noted that Merton applied Durkheim’s concept of applied Durkheim’s concept of ANOMIE by linking deviance to ANOMIE by linking deviance to certain societal imbalances. certain societal imbalances.

He started with the observation that He started with the observation that financial success is widespread goal financial success is widespread goal in America.in America.

The society endorses certain means The society endorses certain means to thata goal.to thata goal.

Ideally, success is achieved through Ideally, success is achieved through obtaining an appropriate education obtaining an appropriate education and hard labor.and hard labor.

Success gained through theft or Success gained through theft or other dishonest activities is a other dishonest activities is a violation of cultural norms.violation of cultural norms.

He argued that if people are He argued that if people are socialized to aspire for success and socialized to aspire for success and to play by the rules, conformity to play by the rules, conformity should result. should result.

3. Deviant subcultures3. Deviant subcultures

- There is an extension of Merton’s - There is an extension of Merton’s theory developed by Richard Cloward theory developed by Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin (1966).and Lloyd Ohlin (1966).

- They pointed out that criminal - They pointed out that criminal deviance results when there is deviance results when there is limited legitimate opportunity to limited legitimate opportunity to achieve success plus available achieve success plus available illegitimate opportunity. illegitimate opportunity.

For Cloward and Ohlin, patterns of For Cloward and Ohlin, patterns of deviance and conformity largely reflect deviance and conformity largely reflect the relative opportunity structure the relative opportunity structure confronted by various categories of confronted by various categories of young people. young people.

They also said that “if an illegal They also said that “if an illegal (criminal) structure is not readily (criminal) structure is not readily available in a given social location, a available in a given social location, a criminal subculture is not likely to criminal subculture is not likely to develop among adolescents.”develop among adolescents.”

Furthermore, “if violence offers a Furthermore, “if violence offers a primary channel to a higher status in primary channel to a higher status in a community, a greater participation a community, a greater participation by juveniles in conflict (violence) will by juveniles in conflict (violence) will normally occur.”normally occur.”

This means that if relative This means that if relative opportunity favors what Merton might opportunity favors what Merton might call “organized innovation,” criminal call “organized innovation,” criminal subculture is likely to develop.subculture is likely to develop.

Commonly, delinquency is Commonly, delinquency is pronounced among lower-class youth pronounced among lower-class youth because they are denied the because they are denied the opportunity to achieve success in a opportunity to achieve success in a conventional way.conventional way.

4. Control theory4. Control theory - An advocate of this theory is Travis - An advocate of this theory is Travis

Hirschi (1969).Hirschi (1969). - He assumed that the family, school, - He assumed that the family, school,

and other social institutions can and other social institutions can greatly contribute to social order by greatly contribute to social order by controlling deviant tendencies in controlling deviant tendencies in every individual.every individual.

- If such control is lacking or weak, - If such control is lacking or weak, people will commit deviant acts. people will commit deviant acts.

The control theory is based on the The control theory is based on the idea that social ties among people idea that social ties among people are important in determining their are important in determining their behavior.behavior.

It asks what causes conformity, It asks what causes conformity, instead of what causes deviance. instead of what causes deviance.

This theory hold that what causes This theory hold that what causes deviance is the absence of that deviance is the absence of that which causes conformity. which causes conformity.

Under the control theory, conformity is Under the control theory, conformity is a direct result of control over the a direct result of control over the individual. It is, therefore, the absence individual. It is, therefore, the absence of social control that causes deviance.of social control that causes deviance.

This means that people will be free to This means that people will be free to violate norms and standards of society violate norms and standards of society if they lack intimate attachments of if they lack intimate attachments of their parents, teachers, and friends. their parents, teachers, and friends.

The absence of these attachments The absence of these attachments and the acceptance of conventional and the acceptance of conventional norms usually lead young people to norms usually lead young people to violate norms since there is no violate norms since there is no expected disapproval.expected disapproval.

According to this theory, many According to this theory, many people do not commit deviant acts people do not commit deviant acts because of their strong bond to because of their strong bond to society.society.

Hirschi suggests four ways in which Hirschi suggests four ways in which individuals become bonded to individuals become bonded to society and the conventional society and the conventional behavior prevailing in it:behavior prevailing in it:

1) Attachment to others1) Attachment to others

2) Commitment2) Commitment

3) Involvement3) Involvement

4) Belief4) Belief

5. Shaming theory5. Shaming theory

- While Hirschi emphasized how - While Hirschi emphasized how society controls individuals through society controls individuals through bondingbonding, John Braithwaite (1989), , John Braithwaite (1989), an Australian sociologist, emphasized an Australian sociologist, emphasized how society controls people through how society controls people through shamingshaming..

Shaming involves an expression of Shaming involves an expression of disapproval designed to evoke disapproval designed to evoke remorse in the wrongdoer.remorse in the wrongdoer.

Under this theory, there are two Under this theory, there are two types of shaming:types of shaming:

1) Disintegrative shaming1) Disintegrative shaming

2) Reintegrative shaming2) Reintegrative shaming

Conflict Perspective-DevianceConflict Perspective-Devianceand Social Inequalityand Social Inequality

Conflict theoryConflict theory - this holds the view that some laws - this holds the view that some laws

are used to protect and preserve the are used to protect and preserve the capitalist system.capitalist system.

- Richard Quinney (1974) blamed - Richard Quinney (1974) blamed unjust laws on the capitalist system unjust laws on the capitalist system contrary to the assumption that the contrary to the assumption that the law is based on the consent of law is based on the consent of citizens, that it treats citizens citizens, that it treats citizens equally, and serves the best interest equally, and serves the best interest of society.of society.

According to Quinney, some criminal According to Quinney, some criminal laws are used by the state and the laws are used by the state and the ruling class to secure the survival of ruling class to secure the survival of the capitalist system.the capitalist system.

Furthermore, according to QuinneyFurthermore, according to Quinney::

1)1) It hires law enforcers to apply those It hires law enforcers to apply those definitions and protect its interests.definitions and protect its interests.

2)2) It exploits the subordinate class by It exploits the subordinate class by paying low wages so that the resulting paying low wages so that the resulting oppressive life conditions virtually force oppressive life conditions virtually force the powerless to commit what those in the powerless to commit what those in power have defined as crimes.power have defined as crimes.

3)3) The dominant class defines as criminal The dominant class defines as criminal those behaviors like murder, robbery, those behaviors like murder, robbery, etc., that threaten its interests. etc., that threaten its interests.

4) It uses these criminal actions to 4) It uses these criminal actions to spread and reinforce the popular spread and reinforce the popular view that the subordinate class is view that the subordinate class is dangerous in order to justify its dangerous in order to justify its concerns with making and enforcing concerns with making and enforcing the law. the law.

Power theoryPower theory

- this can also be a significant cause - this can also be a significant cause of of

deviance.deviance.

- it may stem from relative - it may stem from relative deprivation, the feeling that disables deprivation, the feeling that disables to achieve relatively high aspiration. to achieve relatively high aspiration.

The powerful enjoys greater The powerful enjoys greater opportunities for deviance. This opportunities for deviance. This explains why corruptions are likely to explains why corruptions are likely to involve people in high positions.involve people in high positions.

Likewise, the powerful are subjected Likewise, the powerful are subjected to weaker social control because to weaker social control because they have more influence in making they have more influence in making laws and in they have more laws and in they have more influence in the making of laws and influence in the making of laws and their implementationtheir implementation

Symbolic Interactionalist PerspectiveSymbolic Interactionalist Perspective

- This describes deviance as a product of - This describes deviance as a product of

slavery.slavery.

- This considers deviance as a process of - This considers deviance as a process of

interaction between the person interaction between the person

considered deviant and the rest of considered deviant and the rest of

society. society.

- This considers deviance as learned. - This considers deviance as learned.

11. Differential association and . Differential association and opportunity theoriesopportunity theories

- According to Edward Sutherland - According to Edward Sutherland (1930s), individuals are likely to (1930s), individuals are likely to become deviant if more of their become deviant if more of their primary group interactions favor primary group interactions favor deviance rather than oppose it.deviance rather than oppose it.

- For him, deviance is learned in the - For him, deviance is learned in the same way as normative behaviors same way as normative behaviors through a differential association.through a differential association.

Differential association and Differential association and opportunity theories are founded on opportunity theories are founded on the following premises:the following premises:

1) All criminal behaviors, including 1) All criminal behaviors, including habitual, professional, organized, and habitual, professional, organized, and white-collar is learned.white-collar is learned.

2) Social interaction and 2) Social interaction and communication are essential to the communication are essential to the learning process.learning process.

3) Criminal behavior is the result of 3) Criminal behavior is the result of personal participation in groups, rather personal participation in groups, rather than impersonal contacts with mass than impersonal contacts with mass media and formal agencies of media and formal agencies of institutions.institutions.

4) The learning of criminal behavior 4) The learning of criminal behavior includes the acquisition of criminal includes the acquisition of criminal techniques and the formation of new techniques and the formation of new attitudes, motives, drives, and forms of attitudes, motives, drives, and forms of neutralization that have been neutralization that have been systematically reinforced.systematically reinforced.

5) Criminal behavior occurs because 5) Criminal behavior occurs because group norms favor rather than group norms favor rather than oppose, violation of the law. This is oppose, violation of the law. This is reinforced by the group reinforced by the group commitments or relationships the commitments or relationships the individual has established.individual has established.

6) The tendency to commit crimes 6) The tendency to commit crimes reflects the contacts an individual reflects the contacts an individual has with a group that accepts or has with a group that accepts or approves of such acts.approves of such acts.

7) The criminal and non criminal 7) The criminal and non criminal behaviors are learned by the same behaviors are learned by the same process.process.

8) Criminal and non-criminal 8) Criminal and non-criminal behaviors are both expressions of behaviors are both expressions of the goals and/or values of the the goals and/or values of the individual or group.individual or group.

2. Labeling theory2. Labeling theory

- This view emerged in the 1950s - This view emerged in the 1950s from the writings of Edwin Lemert in from the writings of Edwin Lemert in 1972.1972. Since then, many sociologists Since then, many sociologists have elaborated on the labeling have elaborated on the labeling approach.approach.

- According to labeling theory, society According to labeling theory, society tends to react to a rule-breaking act tends to react to a rule-breaking act by labeling it as deviant. by labeling it as deviant.

- Deviance is not something that a Deviance is not something that a person does but merely a label person does but merely a label imposed on that behavior. imposed on that behavior.

- Once a person is labeled a thief or a Once a person is labeled a thief or a delinquent or a drunkard, the delinquent or a drunkard, the individual may be stuck with that individual may be stuck with that label for life, and may be rejected or label for life, and may be rejected or isolated as a result.isolated as a result.

- Paradoxically, this labeling process Paradoxically, this labeling process actually helps bring about more of actually helps bring about more of the deviant behavior in society. the deviant behavior in society.

- Being caught and branded as deviant Being caught and branded as deviant has important consequences for has important consequences for one’s further social participation and one’s further social participation and self-image.self-image.

- It creates a drastic change in the It creates a drastic change in the individual’s public identity.individual’s public identity.

- Tischler (1990) identified at least three - Tischler (1990) identified at least three factors that determine whether a person’s factors that determine whether a person’s behavior will set in motion the process by behavior will set in motion the process by which he/she will be labeled deviant:which he/she will be labeled deviant:

1) the importance or gravity of the norms 1) the importance or gravity of the norms

that are violated.that are violated.

2) the social identity or status of the 2) the social identity or status of the

individual who violates them.individual who violates them.

3) the nature of the social context of the 3) the nature of the social context of the

behavior in question.behavior in question.

- Two types of deviance (- Two types of deviance (acc. to labeling acc. to labeling theorytheory):):

1) Primary deviance – refers to the 1) Primary deviance – refers to the

original behavior that leads to the original behavior that leads to the

individual’s being labeled deviant.individual’s being labeled deviant.

2) Secondary deviance – emerges as a 2) Secondary deviance – emerges as a

result of having been labeled result of having been labeled deviant.deviant.

Functions of devianceFunctions of deviance

1) Deviance serves as an outlet for 1) Deviance serves as an outlet for diverse diverse

forms of expression.forms of expression.

2) Deviance serves to define the limits of 2) Deviance serves to define the limits of

acceptable behavior.acceptable behavior.

3) Deviance may also promote in-large 3) Deviance may also promote in-large

solidarity.solidarity.

4) Deviance can serve as a barometer of 4) Deviance can serve as a barometer of

social strain. social strain.

Social Control of DevianceSocial Control of Deviance

Social control refers to the efforts of Social control refers to the efforts of a group or society to regulate the a group or society to regulate the behavior of its members in behavior of its members in conformity with established norms.conformity with established norms.

Social control involves the Social control involves the application of systematic behavioral application of systematic behavioral restraints intended to motivate restraints intended to motivate people to obey social expectations.people to obey social expectations.

Ideally, people conform on their own Ideally, people conform on their own because they have internalized the because they have internalized the norms.norms.

They have absorbed deeply into their They have absorbed deeply into their way of thinking through the process way of thinking through the process of socialization. of socialization.

Two types of deviance:Two types of deviance:

1) Informal sanctions1) Informal sanctions

a. Social – gossips, intrigues, a. Social – gossips, intrigues, ostracism,ostracism,

alienationalienation

b. Psychological – low self-esteemb. Psychological – low self-esteem

c. Spiritual – remorse of conscience c. Spiritual – remorse of conscience

2) Formal sanctions2) Formal sanctions

a. Administrative – warning, a. Administrative – warning,

suspension, termination, suspension, termination, expulsionexpulsion

b. Civil – indemnity (payment for b. Civil – indemnity (payment for

damages)damages)

c. Criminal – incarceration c. Criminal – incarceration

(imprisonment)(imprisonment)