15
“Theories of Deviance”
Theoretical Perspective: “Functionalism”
Who and When: Robert Merton (1968)
Strain Theory Definition: deviance is more likely to occur when a gap exists between—
cultural goals (American Dream)
AND the ability to achieve them
Strain Theory
Innovation: person accepts cultural goals but uses illegal methods to achieve them
Strain TheoryFour Components:
Ritualism: person rejects cultural goals but uses legitimate methods
Retreatism: person rejects cultural goals and legitimate methods
Strain Theory
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuzYGzXJJcw
Four Components:
Rebellion: person rejects cultural goals and legitimate methods; creates new goals & methods
Strain Theory You Tube Clip
Theoretical Perspective: “Functionalism”
Who and When: Travis Hirschi (1972)
Control Theory Definition: compliance to social norms require strong bonds between individuals and society
Example
Children adhere to their parents requests and rules because they respect and love them
Control Theory
Weak Social Bonds=
Deviant Behavior
Attachment: the stronger the relationship the more likely you will conform
Control TheoryFour Components of Social Bonds:
Involvement: the more participation in socially approved activities the more likely you will conform to society
Belief: believing in societies norms and values results in conformity to society
Control TheoryFour Components of Social Bonds:
Commitment: the more committed you are to societies goals the more you will conform to society
Control Theory You Tube Clip (play from start to 2:10)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ziDCUvThck
Theoretical Perspective: “Symbolic Interactionism”
Who and When: Edwin Sutherland(1939)
Theory Definition: we learn deviance through the number deviant acts we are exposed to in our life
Example- Son grows up watching Mom get beat up by Dad- Son gets married, abuses his wife
Differential Association Theory
Observing More Deviant Acts=
Increases Chance of Deviant Behavior “I learned it from watching You” Video Clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Elr5K2Vuo
1. The Ratio of Deviant people to Non-Deviant people observed during ones life
2. Occurrence of Deviant behavior by ones significant others during ones life
3. The age to which one was exposed to deviant behavior
Three Characteristics:
Differential Association Theory
Observing More Deviant Acts=
Increases Chance of Deviant Behavior Differential Association Theory
You Tube Clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bres-1Wq7j8
Theoretical Perspective: “Symbolic Interactionism”
Who and When: Howard Becker (1963)
Labeling Theory Definition: Society creates deviance by identifying (through labels) people who are deviant Example
Labeling Theory
Labeling TheoryBased on a given label a deviant gets a:
Stigma: status attached to a person by members of society based on disapproval of their deviant act
Results:• Negative effects on the
person that is labeled• Could lead to more deviant
acts by person labeled• Perpetuates deviant acts
Affects:• Self-esteem• Self-image• Self-concept
Primary Deviance: committing deviant acts are limited and not a person’s norm Example caught once drinking and driving
Labeling TheoryThe Components:
Secondary Deviance: committing deviant acts are a persons way of life and a norm Example drink and drive all the time
Labeling Theory You Tube Clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJr1mr8oYMA
Theoretical Perspective: “Conflict”
Who and When: Steven Spitzer(1980)
Theory Explanation: Industrialized societies protect themselves against deviants Example
Spitzer’s Theory
Spitzer’s TheoryAccording to Spitzer’s Theory
Deviants are:
1. those who criticize industrial society and challenge societal norms
2. those who do not work (have jobs)3. those who threaten private property4. those who petition and protest against
authority are deviants.
