Social Functions of Deviance
The rules of sociological method, by Emile Durkheim state that deviance
has some uses in social life.
Clarifying Norms
• Serves to define the boundaries of acceptable behavior
• When rule are broken and the guilty parties are caught, members of society are reminded of the norms that guide social life
• The punishment serves as a warning to others.• Example harsh prison sentences• People choose not to commit deviant acts if
warned
Unifying the group
• Draws line between conforming members of society and “ outsiders”
• “Us against Them”
• Reinforces sense of community
• Beliefs in shared values
• Important to the maintenance of group unity
Diffusing tension
• When people are unhappy they may want to strike out at society
• Minor acts of deviance serve as a safety net
• Allows individuals to relieve tension without disrupting the basic fabric of life
• Demonstrations, protest, small outburst
Promoting Social Change
• Helps to promote change by identifying problems
• When a large number of people violate a particular norm
• This indicates that something in society needs to be changed
• Women's movement, Civil Rights, gay Movement
Providing Jobs
• Law enforcement
• Court personal
• Corrections
• Treatment programs
• Lawyers
• Judges
• Parole officers