social deviance

 

Introduction.

Social deviance refers to behavior that deviates from the accepted social norms, values, and expectations within a particular society or group. It involves actions, beliefs, or characteristics that are perceived as violating or challenging the established standards of behavior. What is considered deviant can vary across different cultures, societies, and historical periods.

Deviance is a complex and multifaceted concept that can manifest in various forms. It can encompass a wide range of behaviors, including criminal acts, unconventional lifestyles, nonconformity, and even certain beliefs or thoughts. Examples of deviant behavior may include theft, drug abuse, vandalism, prostitution, political dissent, or unconventional sexual practices.

Deviance is a social construct, meaning that it is not an inherent quality of individuals or actions but rather a product of social interaction and interpretation. What is considered deviant in one society or community may be completely acceptable or even celebrated in another.

QN1. Examine the five types of social deviance with relevant examples.

Social deviance refers to behavior that violates the established norms, values, and expectations of a particular society or social group. There are various types of social deviance, and here are five of them along with relevant examples:

1. Conformity Deviance: This type of deviance occurs when individuals do not adhere to the prevailing norms and expectations of their society or social group. For example, in a conservative society where traditional gender roles are strictly enforced, a woman who chooses to pursue a career instead of getting married and having children may be seen as deviant.

2. Obedience Deviance: Obedience deviance involves the violation of authority or rules set by those in positions of power. An example of this type of deviance is when a person refuses to follow the orders of a police officer during a lawful arrest, leading to a physical altercation.

3. Innovation Deviance: Innovation deviance refers to individuals who accept the goals and values of society but employ unconventional or illegitimate means to achieve them. An example is a person who comes from an economically disadvantaged background and resorts to theft or drug dealing to attain financial success.

4. Ritualism Deviance: Ritualism deviance occurs when individuals reject the goals of society but still adhere rigidly to the means or rules. A person who no longer believes in the importance of material wealth and success but continues to work tirelessly in a corporate job purely out of habit and fear of change exemplifies this form of deviance.

5. Rebellion Deviance: Rebellion deviance involves the rejection of both the goals and means of society, along with the active attempt to replace them with alternative goals and means. An example of this type of deviance is a political activist who fights against a corrupt government, advocating for a revolution and the establishment of a new social order.

It is important to note that the perception of deviance can vary across different societies and cultures. What may be considered deviant in one society might be accepted or even encouraged in another. Additionally, the categorization of deviance is not always clear-cut, and behaviors can overlap into multiple types.

 

QN2. Analyze the theories of a social deviance.

Social deviance refers to behavior that violates the established norms, values, and expectations of a society or social group. It is often stigmatized and considered unacceptable or inappropriate. Various theories have been developed to explain the causes and implications of social deviance. Here are some prominent theories:

1. Structural-Functionalism: This theory posits that social deviance serves certain functions in society. According to this perspective, deviant behavior can help reinforce social norms and boundaries, promote social cohesion, and even facilitate social change.

Deviance can act as a mechanism for society to define its boundaries and reinforce shared values.

2. Symbolic Interactionism: This theory focuses on how social deviance is constructed through interpersonal interactions and the meanings attached to deviant behavior. Symbolic interactionists argue that deviance is not an inherent characteristic of an act but rather a socially constructed label applied to behavior deemed outside the norm. Deviance is viewed as a product of the labeling process, where individuals are defined as deviant by others.

3. Strain Theory: Developed by Robert Merton, strain theory suggests that social deviance arises from the strain or disconnection between culturally prescribed goals and the means to achieve them. When individuals are unable to achieve culturally valued goals through legitimate means, they may turn to deviant behavior as an alternative. This theory emphasizes the role of social structure and unequal opportunities in shaping deviant behavior.

4. Control Theory: Control theory posits that social deviance occurs when an individual's bonds to society are weakened or broken. According to this perspective, individuals are naturally inclined to engage in deviant behavior, but their social bonds, such as family, friends, and institutions, act as a control mechanism. When these bonds are weakened or absent, individuals are more likely to engage in deviant acts.

5. Conflict Theory: Conflict theorists view social deviance as a product of social inequality and power struggles within society. They argue that deviance is a result of social conflict, where dominant groups label certain behaviors as deviant to maintain their power and control over society. Deviance is seen as a form of resistance or rebellion against the dominant social order.

These theories provide different perspectives on the causes and implications of social deviance. It's important to note that social deviance is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors, including cultural, historical, and situational contexts. The theories mentioned here offer valuable insights into understanding the social dynamics surrounding deviant behavior.

QN3.with the use of examples distinguish between formal and informal deviance.

Formal and informal deviance are two concepts used to describe behavior that violates established social norms or rules. While both types of deviance involve actions deemed unacceptable by society, they differ in terms of their context, enforcement, and consequences. Here are some examples to illustrate the distinction between formal and informal deviance:

1. Formal Deviance:

Formal deviance refers to behavior that violates explicit laws, rules, or regulations established by the legal system or institutions. It involves actions that are codified and punishable by legal authorities. Examples of formal deviance include:

 

a) Theft: Taking someone else's property without their consent is considered a formal deviant act. Laws exist to punish theft, and individuals who engage in this behavior can face legal consequences such as fines or imprisonment.

b) Assault: Physically attacking or causing harm to another person is a formal deviant act. It is a crime under the law, and individuals who commit assault can be arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced to imprisonment.

2. Informal Deviance:

Informal deviance refers to behavior that violates social norms but is not necessarily codified in laws or regulations. It involves actions that are considered socially unacceptable or inappropriate within a particular culture or community. Examples of informal deviance include:

a) Wearing pajamas to a formal event: In many cultures, it is considered informal deviance to wear pajamas to a formal event, such as a wedding or a business meeting. Although there may not be any legal consequences, the person's behavior would be seen as a violation of social norms and might result in social disapproval or embarrassment.

b) Talking loudly in a library: Libraries are typically quiet spaces where people expect silence and respect for others. Speaking loudly in a library would be considered informal deviance because it goes against the social norm of maintaining a quiet environment. While there are no legal consequences, the person might face criticism or be asked to leave by library staff or other patrons.

In summary, formal deviance involves behavior that violates explicit laws or regulations and is subject to legal consequences, while informal deviance refers to behavior that violates social norms but may not be codified in laws. Informal deviance is typically enforced through social disapproval or informal sanctions rather than legal punishment.

QN4. Discuss the variant of positive and negative deviance.

Positive and negative deviance are concepts used in the field of organizational behavior and management to describe behaviors that deviate from the norm within a particular context. While positive deviance refers to behaviors that exceed the expected or desired performance, negative deviance refers to behaviors that fall below the expected or desired performance. Let's discuss the variants of positive and negative deviance in more detail:

1. Positive Deviance:

   a. Productive Positive Deviance: This variant of positive deviance refers to behaviors that go beyond the expected level of productivity. It involves individuals or groups achieving exceptional performance outcomes, surpassing the established benchmarks or standards.

   b. Innovative Positive Deviance: This variant focuses on behaviors that involve creative thinking, problem-solving, and generating new ideas or approaches. It involves individuals or groups who challenge the status quo and come up with innovative solutions to problems.

   c. Ethical Positive Deviance: Ethical positive deviance occurs when individuals or groups demonstrate behaviors that are morally and ethically superior to the prevailing norms. They may act with high integrity, honesty, and fairness, setting an example for others.

2. Negative Deviance:

   a. Withdrawal Negative Deviance: This variant refers to behaviors where individuals or groups intentionally withdraw from their work responsibilities or organizational activities. They may display absenteeism, tardiness, or engage in social loafing, leading to a decrease in productivity and performance.

   b. Disruptive Negative Deviance: Disruptive negative deviance involves behaviors that undermine the smooth functioning of the organization. This includes acts of aggression, sabotage, or intentional violation of rules and procedures.

   c. Unethical Negative Deviance: Unethical negative deviance occurs when individuals or groups engage in behaviors that violate moral and ethical standards. This may include lying, cheating, stealing, or engaging in fraudulent activities that harm the organization or its stakeholders.

It is important to note that the classification of behaviors as positive or negative deviance may vary depending on the organizational context, cultural norms, and ethical standards. What is considered positive deviance in one context may be seen as negative deviance in another. Similarly, the perception of positive and negative deviance can be subjective and may vary among individuals and groups within an organization.

Conclusion.

The concept of social deviance is complex and multifaceted, and drawing a definitive conclusion about it is challenging. However, based on the understanding up until my knowledge cutoff in 2021, I can provide some perspectives on social deviance.

Social deviance refers to behaviors, actions, or characteristics that violate the established norms, values, and expectations of a particular society or social group. It is important to note that what is considered deviant can vary across cultures, time periods, and social contexts. What may be considered deviant in one society may be considered acceptable or even valued in another.

One perspective on social deviance is that it is detrimental to social order and stability. Deviant behavior is often seen as a threat to the established social norms and values, and it can disrupt the functioning of society. From this viewpoint, deviance is seen as something that needs to be controlled and corrected through social control mechanisms such as laws, sanctions, and rehabilitation programs.

On the other hand, some sociologists argue that social deviance can serve important functions in society. They suggest that deviance can challenge existing social norms and lead to social change and progress. Deviant individuals or groups may bring attention to social injustices, inequalities, or oppressive systems, and their actions may serve as catalysts for social movements and reforms.

Additionally, deviance can also play a role in individual identity formation. Some individuals may engage in deviant behavior as a way to express their uniqueness, assert their autonomy, or gain a sense of belonging within a subculture or counterculture. In this sense, deviance can be seen as a form of resistance or alternative expression that allows individuals to challenge dominant cultural norms and values.

In conclusion, social deviance is a complex phenomenon that can have both negative and positive implications for society. It can be seen as a threat to social order, but it can also be a catalyst for social change and individual expression. The understanding and evaluation of social deviance depend on the cultural, historical, and social context in which it occurs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference.

Social deviance refers to behavior that deviates from established social norms and expectations. It encompasses a wide range of actions, beliefs, and characteristics that are considered to be outside the boundaries of what is deemed acceptable or appropriate within a particular society or social group.

If you're looking for references on social deviance, I can provide you with some classic works in the field of sociology and criminology that have explored and analyzed the concept. Here are a few notable references:

1. "Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance" by Howard S. Becker (1963): In this influential book, Becker examines the process through which certain individuals and groups come to be labeled as deviant, and the consequences of such labeling on their social identity and interactions.

2. "Folk Devils and Moral Panics: The Creation of the Mods and Rockers" by Stanley Cohen (1972): Cohen's work explores the media's role in constructing and amplifying moral panics around youth subcultures, focusing on the conflict between the mods and rockers in 1960s Britain.

3. "Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity" by Erving Goffman (1963): Goffman examines the experience of individuals who possess a stigmatized attribute and the strategies they employ to manage their identity and navigate social interactions.

4. "Delinquency and Drift" by David Matza (1964): Matza's work challenges the traditional view of delinquency as a result of complete rejection of societal values, proposing that delinquent individuals often employ techniques of neutralization and drift between conventional and deviant behaviors.

5. "Crime and the American Dream" by Steven Messner and Richard Rosenfeld (2001): This book explores the relationship between crime rates and the cultural values associated with the American Dream, arguing that certain aspects of the American Dream may contribute to higher levels of crime and deviance.

These references should provide you with a solid foundation to explore the topic of social deviance further. Additionally, there are numerous other scholarly articles, books, and research papers available that delve into specific aspects of social deviance, depending on your particular area of interest.