Theory & Deviance: Crash Course Sociology #19

Summary

The script explores the concept of deviance from three sociological paradigms: structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory. It explains how deviance can serve societal functions, be shaped by labeling, and be linked to power dynamics. The discussion delves into Emile Durkheim's view of deviance as a societal necessity, Robert Merton's strain theory, and the labeling process that can lead to stigmatization. It also touches on how societal responses to deviance are influenced by social status and power structures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Deviance is a common aspect of all societies and can serve various functions according to Emile Durkheim.
• 🔍 Structural functionalism suggests that deviance helps to define cultural values and norms, and clarifies moral boundaries through societal reactions.
• 🤝 Durkheim believed that societal responses to deviance can bring communities together and foster a sense of 'us' versus 'them'.
• 🌐 Deviance can act as a catalyst for social change, as seen in instances like Rosa Parks' civil disobedience during the Civil Rights Movement.
• 🏦 Robert Merton's strain theory posits that the level of deviance in a society is linked to the availability of legitimate means to achieve culturally valued goals.
• 💼 Merton identified different responses to the lack of acceptable means, such as innovation (using deviant means), ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.
• 🏷 Symbolic interactionism, through labeling theory, highlights how deviance and conformity are influenced by how behaviors are labeled and perceived by society.
• 👀 Labeling can lead to the internalization of deviant identities and the creation of stigmas that affect a person's self-concept and social interactions.
• 💊 The perception of deviance, such as drug abuse, is shifting from a moral failing to an illness, changing societal responses from punishment to treatment.
• 🤝 Conflict theory links deviance to social power, suggesting that norms and laws often reflect the interests of the powerful and can be used to maintain their status.
• 💼 Conflict theorists argue that the application of deviant labels and societal responses to deviance are influenced by social power dynamics and can vary significantly across different groups.

Q & A

What do an armed robber and a pacifist have in common according to the script?

Both an armed robber and a pacifist are considered social deviants, as they both deviate from societal norms in different ways.

What are the three major sociological paradigms that offer perspectives on deviance?

The three major sociological paradigms are structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory.

According to Emile Durkheim, what are the four functions of deviance in society?

Durkheim proposed that deviance serves to define cultural values and norms, clarifies moral boundaries, brings society together, and can encourage social change.

How does Robert Merton's strain theory explain the difference in the amount of deviance in different societies?

Merton's strain theory suggests that the amount of deviance in a society depends on whether the society provides sufficient means for individuals to achieve culturally defined goals.

What does Merton mean by 'conformity' in the context of achieving culturally set goals?

Conformity, in Merton's terms, refers to achieving culturally set goals through conventionally approved means, such as getting an education and working hard to achieve financial stability.

What is 'innovation' in Merton's strain theory and how does it relate to deviance?

Innovation in Merton's theory refers to the use of unacceptable or deviant means to achieve culturally set goals when conventional means are not accessible.

What is labeling theory and how does it relate to the perception of deviance?

Labeling theory is a symbolic interactionist approach that posits deviance and conformity are determined not just by actions, but also by how those actions are labeled or perceived by society.

What is a stigma according to Erving Goffman, and how can it affect a person's self-concept and interactions?

A stigma is a powerfully negative master status that can affect a person's self-concept, social identity, and interactions with others, often leading to more labeling and a negative perception of the individual.

How does differential association theory explain the likelihood of deviance?

Differential association theory suggests that who a person associates with can influence the likelihood of deviance, implying that associating with those who engage in deviant behaviors can increase the likelihood of adopting such behaviors.

What is the main argument of control theory in relation to deviance?

Control theory focuses on an individual's self-control and their ability to anticipate and avoid the consequences of their actions as a means to avoid deviance.

How does conflict theory view the relationship between deviance and social power?

Conflict theory posits that norms and laws often reflect the interests of the powerful, and that deviance is often linked to power and inequality, with the socially deviant often being the most powerless.