Social Theories of Deviance
Social Theories of Deviance - tend to view deviance as free choice or personal failings of individuals - all deviance & conformity is shaped by society Anomie: Social instability caused by erosion of standards and values 3 FOUNDATIONS OF DEVIANCE: 1) Deviance varies according to cultural norms - no thought or action is inherently deviant - it becomes deviant only in relation to particular norms Ex. Singapore -- prohibits sale of chewing gum /// kissing in elevators Albania outlaw any public display of religious faith 2) People become deviant as others define them that way - self fulfilling prophecy 3) Both norms & the way people define situations involve social power - Karl Marx - law is a means by which powerful people protect their interests - norms & their application are linked to social inequality FUCTIONS OF DEVIANCE: - STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS - deviance has a social function for society as a whole - necessary element of social organization DURKHEIM: - nothing abnormal about deviance - performs 4 essential functions 1) Deviance affirms cultural values & norms - Moral creatures must prefer some attitudes and behaviours to others - Needed to define & sustain morality 2) Responding to deviance clarifies moral boundaries - By defining some individuals as deviant, people draw boundary between right& wrong.