DevianceDeviance refers to behaviors that violate social norms. Show
Learning Objectives Define deviance and explain the nature of deviant behavior Key TakeawaysKey Points
Key Terms
Deviance, in a sociological context, describes actions or behaviors that violate informal social norms or formally-enacted rules. Among those who study social norms and their relation to deviance are sociologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and criminologists, all of whom investigate how norms change and are enforced over time. Merton's Social Strain Theory: This diagram depicts Robert K. Merton's Social Strain Theory. Norms and SanctionsNorms are social rules of behavior, and a sanction is a form of punishment against violation of different norms. Learning ObjectivesKey TakeawaysKey Points
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Norms are the social rules that govern behavior in a community. Norms can be explicit (such as laws) or implicit (such as
codes of polite behavior). Norms can be difficult to identify because they are so deeply instilled in members of a given society. Norms are learned by growing up in a particular culture and can be difficult to learn if one does not grow up in the same social milieu. Deviance and Social StigmaSocial stigma in deviance is the disapproval of a person because they do not fit the require social norms that are given in society. Learning Objectives Describe the
meaning of stigma through the work of two sociologists Key TakeawaysKey Points
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Social stigma is the extreme disapproval of an individual based on social characteristics that are perceived to distinguish them from other members of a society. Social stigma is so profound that it overpowers positive social
feedback regarding the way in which the same individual adheres to other social norms. For example, Terry might be stigmatized because she has a limp. Stigma attaches to Terry because of her limp, overpowering the ways in which Terry might be social normative–perhaps she is a white, Protestant, or a heterosexual female with a limp. The limp marks Terry, despite her other traits. Be Aware: End the Stigma Against Mental Illness: Be Aware is an awareness campaign that aims to end the stigma against mental illness. The Stigmatization of Homeless People: Homeless people are regularly stigmatized by society for being unemployed while living in the streets. Deviance and TechnologyAdvances in technology have resulted in new forms of deviance as well as new forms of control. Learning Objectives Discuss the impact of technological innovation on forms of deviance and social control Key TakeawaysKey Points
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As technology has opened up a new space for cyberculture, new forms of deviance and social control have appeared. Some individuals use technology as a means of deviating from more
traditional cultural norms. For example, in the United States, employees in offices are encouraged to remain productive and efficient, letting their minds wander off-task as little as possible. In the past decade, most companies have installed high-speed internet access as a means of improving efficiency. However, employees often reappropriate the internet access to avoid work by using social networking sites. Such procrastination and corporate inefficiency stemming from internet access is
called "cyberloafing. " Slacking and Snacking at Work: Misusing company resources to conduct personal business, such as online shopping. The Functions of DevianceDeviance provides society the boundaries to determine acceptable and unacceptable behaviors in society. Learning Objectives Describe how structural functionalism views the relation between deviance and social change Key TakeawaysKey Points
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What function does the notion of deviance play in society? Sociologists who identify with the tradition of structural- functionalism ask this type of question. Structural functionalism has its roots embedded in the very origins of sociological thought and the development of sociology as a discipline. A structural functionalist approach emphasizes social solidarity and stability in social structures. Structural functionalists ask: How does any given social phenomenon contribute to social
stability? This cannot be answered without addressing this question of deviance. Four Mechanisms that Regulate Our Behavior: Our behavior in our everyday lives is regulated by social norms, law and policy, technology and design, and market forces. Licenses and AttributionsCC licensed content, Shared previously
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What are the 4 types of deviant behavior?According to Merton, there are five types of deviance based upon these criteria: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism and rebellion. Structural functionalism argues that deviant behavior plays an active, constructive role in society by ultimately helping cohere different populations within a society.
What is social deviance with example?Examples of behaviors that are generally viewed as socially unacceptable include nose-picking, standing too close to other people, or not bathing regularly. Examples of deviant behavior include drug use, theft, murder, excessive alcohol use, and assault.
Which of the following is an example of deviant?Adult content consumption, drug use, excessive drinking, illegal hunting, eating disorders, or any self-harming or addictive practice are all examples of deviant behaviors.
What is an example of criminal deviance?Any behavior that breaks the law or goes against societal norms can be considered deviant. One example of deviant behavior is drug use. Using illegal drugs is considered deviant behavior in most social groups. Committing acts of violence, such as assault or murder, is also considered deviant behavior.
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