UCSP- (SHS)- Conformity and Deviance

Summary

In this educational episode, Sir Eduard introduces the concepts of conformity and deviance, exploring how individuals and groups either align with or deviate from societal norms. He delves into different types of conformity, such as compliance, identification, and internalization, explaining their impact on behavior. The discussion also covers deviance, highlighting the distinction between formal and informal deviance, as well as the cultural relativity of deviant behaviors. The video encourages understanding societal norms while acknowledging the positive effects that deviance can have in promoting social change, tolerance, and solidarity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Conformity is the process of changing behavior or beliefs to align with societal expectations, either to fit in or be accepted by a group.
• 😀 There are three types of conformity: compliance (temporary change), identification (change when in the presence of a group), and internalization (deep and lasting change).
• 😀 Deviance refers to behaviors or actions that violate societal norms, and can be classified into formal deviance (breaking laws) and informal deviance (violating social norms).
• 😀 Social control refers to the mechanisms society uses to regulate behavior, such as rules, sanctions, and labeling.
• 😀 Deviance is culturally relative; behavior that is considered deviant in one culture may be accepted or even encouraged in another.
• 😀 Strain theory suggests that societal pressures, such as poverty or inequality, can push individuals toward deviant behavior to achieve societal goals.
• 😀 While deviance can lead to social change and new ideas, it can also perpetuate negative behaviors like crime or anti-social conduct, especially in disadvantaged communities.
• 😀 Social control can be either formal, like laws and police enforcement, or informal, like peer pressure or family expectations.
• 😀 Labeling theory emphasizes how being labeled as deviant can impact a person’s self-identity and how others perceive them, which may reinforce deviant behavior.
• 😀 Deviance can sometimes be functional for society, promoting tolerance and social change by challenging norms and encouraging new ways of thinking.
• 😀 Understanding conformity and deviance is crucial to grasp how individuals navigate societal norms and the consequences of deviating from them.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of social control in society?

Social control's primary purpose is to ensure individuals' behavior aligns with societal norms, maintaining order and stability. It involves both positive reinforcement for conformity and punishment for deviance.

What are the three types of conformity mentioned in the script?

The three types of conformity are: Compliance (temporary change), Identification (conforming to gain acceptance), and Internalization (deep, long-term change where norms become part of one's beliefs).

How does deviance differ from conformity?

Deviance refers to behaviors that violate societal norms, while conformity involves aligning one's behavior with those norms. Deviance can be either formal (against the law) or informal (against social customs).

What is the difference between formal and informal deviance?

Formal deviance involves actions that break established laws (e.g., theft), while informal deviance refers to violations of social norms that are not punishable by law (e.g., spitting in public).

Can deviance have positive effects? Provide an example.

Yes, deviance can lead to positive effects by sparking social change. For example, movements like the LGBTQ+ rights movement challenged societal norms and resulted in more inclusivity and acceptance.

What is cultural relativism, and how does it relate to deviance?

Cultural relativism is the idea that norms and values are relative to each culture. What is considered deviant in one society may not be seen as deviant in another, highlighting the importance of context in understanding deviance.

According to Robert Merton's Strain Theory, why does deviance occur?

Deviance occurs when individuals are unable to achieve societal goals through acceptable means. This strain leads them to adopt alternative behaviors to achieve these goals.

How do social control mechanisms like gossip and punishment contribute to maintaining societal norms?

Social control mechanisms such as gossip and punishment enforce societal norms by publicly highlighting deviations from expected behavior and deterring others from engaging in similar actions.

How can the concept of internalization help in understanding long-term conformity?

Internalization helps us understand long-term conformity because it involves the deep integration of societal norms into an individual's belief system, resulting in behaviors that align with social expectations even in the absence of direct pressure.

What role does deviance play in societal evolution?

Deviance can drive societal evolution by challenging existing norms and prompting reforms. This can lead to greater inclusivity, new cultural practices, or legislative changes that better reflect societal needs and values.