Functionalism and Functionalism and DevianceDeviance

Lesson 7-2

Costs and Benefits of Deviance

Functionalists believe there are positive and negative affects of deviance

Costs and Benefits of Deviance

Erodes trust If not punished,

deviance can cause nonconforming behavior in others

Deviant behavior is expensive

Deviance clarifies norms

May be a safety valve for teens

Increases unity within a society

Cerates jobs- new prisons

Promotes social change

Strain Theory

Anomie- a social condition in which norms are weak, conflicting, or absent– Individuals are unsure how they should act

Strain Theory- deviance is more likely to occur when a gap exists between cultural goals and the ability to achieve these goals by legitimate means.

How do People Respond To Strain Theory

Innovation- Person accepts the goal of success, but use illegal means to achieve it.– Robbery, drug dealing

Ritualism- Person rejects goal of success, but continues to go through the motions

How do People Respond To Strain Theory

Retreatism- Both the legitimate means and the approved goals are rejected.– Drug addicts, bag ladies,– People that have dropped out by choice not by circumstance

Rebellion- reject the goal and the means, but substitute a new set of goals and means– Some militia groups

Basic Elements of Social Bonds

Attachment- the stronger your attachments to groups or individuals, the more likely you are to conform.

Commitment-Greater your commitment to social goals, more likely you are to conform

Basic Elements of Social Bonds

Involvement-Participation in approved social activities increases the probability of conformity

Belief- Belief in norms and values of society promotes conformity.

Teen Smoking and Deviance

Is Teen smoking a deviant behavior? Discuss ads in the 1960’s and 1970’s

– Marlboro Man– Virginia slims

How has advertising changed today? How does this reflect changes in beliefs in

society?

Strain Theory