Sociology of Deviance
Quit often in our day-to-day lives we hear the word "deviance", but never truly know the concepts behind it. It is not a complicated term although it is one with many theories behind it giving a vast variety of interpretations of just what deviance is and is not. Questions arise as to its relativity. Of course, no one can proclaim deviance is not relative, as deviance is behavior that does not follow common perceptions. An important sociological concept states that people conform, or perform to societal expectation or norms (Brown, 1965). Conformity provides order in the society. Thus, when someone is doing something that the rest of society find unacceptable, or out of the ordinary, he or she is considered deviant. While the definition of deviance may appear obvious, this is not necessarily the case for the sociology community. The sociology of deviance contains definitions of an extensive nature, which are branched off into several perspective groups. For example, sociologist Erving Goffman applies the concept of stigma, or more commonly, labeling; stating that ones behavior and actions deemed deviant are applied by others (Turner, 1996). Howard Becker's definition seems to be commonly accepted as an adequate description
If the system is out of control, one must address the concept of system as a grounding element. Talcott Parsons defines systems as being a complex of interdependencies between parts, components, and processes, which involve other, defined relationships, and include interdependency between it and the surrounding environment. This concept may be applied to a variety of things such as those within the boundaries of social, biological, and mechanical labels (McLeish, 1993). Furthermore, numerous theorists commonly use the term "social system," which is only one of many types (1993). of this concept, asserting that deviance is whatever a social audience reacts against or labels as deviant. However, another sociologist, Erdwin Pfuhl, believes that the label "deviant" depends on a group's notion of actions and conditions that should and should not occur. This view also suggests that labels of deviance can change within different societies and times. One might ask why there are so many interpretations of deviance. The answer is rather simple. Due to its relative nature, people will interpret activities quite differently (Clinard, 1998). For instance, within certain sub- cultural groups it is normal to smoke marijuana. Yet, to the larger society, it is considered deviant. This is true even though there are large amount of people within the society using drugs recreationally. However, if the society were to legalize it, such as was done with alcohol, it would be sanctioned and therefore not be judged as deviant among the mass majority. A look at deviance through various perspectives will help shed light on different angles that relate to the concept. McLeish, K. (1993). Key Ideas in Human Thought. New York Facts on File. http//www.ctheory.com/a- venus_in_microsoft.html In looking at deviance through the functionalist perspective one can see the earlier concept of deviance, as based on norms, acceptable. Deviance serves as a function that is perhaps necessary in society. For instance, rights of passage in any society may be considered deviant to another culture or to the society itself under certain conditions. Lets say that at a bachelor party, a man about to be married may be forgiven for his acts of deviant behavior. These behaviors may not be acceptable under any other conditions, but society sanctions rituals and rights of passage. This is most often expressed in group solidarity as opposed to individual behavior. Sometimes the function is latent in that it may not be seen right away or not be expressed in a direct cause and effect relationship. Horowitz, I. L. (1993). The end of sociology? Public Interest, According to Howard Becker, the notion of deviance is always socially constructed or that social groups create deviance by making the rules whose infraction constitutes deviance; by applying those rules to particular people and labeling them as "outsiders", they become deviants (Turner, 1996). He further defined the term "outsiders", as those who are judged by others to be deviant from others deemed normal members of the group; also, the person that is viewed as deviant may see the people making the rules as outsiders (1996). Labeling Theory Criminological Theory Main Page. (1997, November 20). Criminological Theory [Online] Available
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Howard Becker, Alain Touraine, Talcott Parsons, William James, Mad Hatter, Stephen Pfohl, Erdwin Pfuhl, , Cloward Ohlin, Merton Durkheim, labeling theory, deviant behavior, considered deviant, turner 1996, social reaction, mcleish 1993, labeling 1997, online available, deviance relative, social reaction deviance, opportunity structures, deviance socially constructed, illegitimate opportunity structures, 1999 january 7, society considered deviant,
Approximate Word count = 2598
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)
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