Social Deviance
Chapter 4: Major Theories of Deviance
Chapter Goals
Be able to describe "major" deviant theories Understand strain theory Understand conflict theory Understand labeling theory Understand control theory Understand learning theory
Anomie Theory
Deviance is a result of certain social structural strains that pressure individuals to become deviant Modern societies create strains upon individuals by emphasizing status goals, while limiting institutional access Cultural assumptions generally expect members to achieve goals through legitimate means: Conventional employment, completion of education Merton postulated four adapting mechanisms for members in an anomic society: Ritualism, rebellion, innovation, retreatism
Conflict Theory Marxian Conflict theories: a. This view stresses people in power make rules b. Deviance represents behavior that conflicts with the standards of segments of society with the power to shape public opinion and social policy Marx viewed society as a relationship between: a. Bourgeoise: Society's ruling class b. Proletariat: everyone else Marx explained that a. Laws prohibit certain acts that threaten the ruling class from the ruled class b. Criminal law comes to side with the upper classes against the lower classes Left Realism Left Realism scholars advocate that crime emerges when four components intersect: a. Offenders b. Victims c. State d. Public opinion In developing a realistic approach to crime, left realist scholars recognize inequality
This position implies that reductions in inequality, and more general promotion of social justice, will substantially reduce crime
Labeling Theory
Labeling theorists determine deviance, not by any reference to norms, but by reference to the reactions (notably sanctions) of the act's social audience Individuals may experience a subtle process which produces effects over extended periods of time Labeling theorists focus on who creates the rules that define deviance and how society singles out certain individuals and groups for labeling This relates to "agents of social control" discussed in previous chapters. Consider the influence of a "slut" label on a girl who is not promiscuous. Will it have an effect, even if she isn't a "slut?" Consider how the label of "ex-con" impacts a person trying to reenter society.
Control Theory
Travis Hirschi's Version Attachment refers to the extent to which a person feels bound to specific groups through affection, respect, and socialization to group norms. Commitment describes the degree to the importance of a person's stake in conforming behavior, so that acts of deviance jeopardize other, more valued conditions and activities Involvement refers to non-deviant physical activities. Continued involvement in conventional activities strengthens commitment Belief refers to personal allegiance to the dominant value system in a group. These values may assume the importance of morals Deviant lifestyles may be terminated as an individual reestablishes of bonds to conventional society with these factors Reckless's Version Control theorists argue that deviance is a result of an absence of social control Reckless (1973) refers to this type of control as containment theory. Two types of containment include: Inner containment: Restraints that act within the person. Outer containment: Restraints that arise from forces in the individual's environment.
Learning Theory
Sutherland's Theory