GERM THEORY

SOCIOLOGY FOR SOCIAL WORKERS

PRESENTATION
SW1303
Table of Contents
Names and Student Numbers ..................................................................................................................2
Germ Theory/ Social Germ Theory ..........................................................................................................3
Similarities and differences between the germ theory of diseases and social germ theory: .................3
Social factors that influence the spread of ideas .....................................................................................4
Ways to deal with social germ theory .....................................................................................................5

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Names and Student Numbers
Fumane Monyaola 202320211

Liapeng Gladys Khamokha 202321896

Thato Khoale 202320167

Sefakoane Tsòene 202320208

Thogozile Tjelele 202320168

Ntimana Molema 202320143

Rethabile Molelekoa 202320130

Molelekeng Moerane 202322285

Kananelo Motoane 202320217

Mpai Moabi 202321872

Hlompho Marunye 202321883

Keneuoe Molupe 202320112

Lerato Gladys Nthoto 202321867

Relebohile Masitsa 202320125

Mahali Ramokoena 202320175

Mokhoboeli Ntsèli 202320159

Lisebo Halahala 202320116

Folatsane Matekoane 202320156

Thato Damane 202321895

Tsèpo Koro 202321889

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Germ Theory/ Social Germ Theory
Germ Theory is a metaphor that is used to explain how deviant or criminal behaviour can
spread throughout a society. Germ theory is a biological theory that has been used to
describe or give an idea about the spread of germ cause diseases. Early biologists realised
that hoe Tuberculosis (TB) is spreading mostly around people that do not have access to
proper health care due to their social status being of a low class/ working class. The
working class lived in in unhygienic spaces which meant there were germs and bacteria
growing in the space. Germ theory suggests that should germs go without being dealt
with, they spread and causes viruses. This theory has been conceptualised by sociologists
to describe how if deviant behaviour is not dealt with, it spreads like a viral infection,
hence it is called a metaphor. This theory is often traced back to the work of French
sociologist Gabriel Tarde. In the late 19 th century, Tarde proposed the idea of “social
imitations,” which stated that humans are social creatures who tend to imitate the
behaviour of others. The social germ theory was further developed in the 20th century by
Ervin Goffman, who used the metaphor of a “contagion process” to describe how deviant
behaviour can spread through social networks.
Social germ theory suggests that people who commit deviant acts can influence others to
do the same, just like how germs spread diseases. For example, a person who engages in
deviant acts may be seen as role model by certain people that may be then influenced to
do the same, hence a cycle of deviance is created that can spread through society.

Similarities and differences between the germ theory of diseases and

social germ theory:
1. In both theories, there is a contagious element that can spread through population.
For germ theory of diseases, the “germ” is a physical microorganism that causes
illness, while in social germ theory, “germ” is a social influence that causes deviance.

2. The physical germ can be treated with vaccines and antibiotics, while the social germ
theory is more difficult to get rid of. It can be toned down through social programs and
policies but it may never be completely eliminated.

3. Both theories describe how the spread “germ” can have a negative effect on the
population, whether it is in the form of physical illness or deviant behaviour.

4. Both theories recognize that not everyone who is exposed to the “germ” will be
infected, but rather that some individuals are more likely to than others.

5. The physical germ theory is generally accepted by the scientific community, the social
germ theory remains a topic of debate among sociologist.
Tarde also proposed that the spread of ideas can be influenced by social factors, such as
the prestige of the person who is spreading the idea. In other words, if a person is seen as
trustworthy or influential, they are most like to influence others.

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Social factors that influence the spread of ideas
Tarde also proposed that the spread of ideas can be influenced by social factors, such
as the prestige of the person who is spreading the idea. In other words if a person is
seen as trustworthy or influential they are most likely to influence other people.

1. Social media platforms have been found to be powerful tool for the spread of
behaviour. They can make it easy for people to connect with others who share their
interests and beliefs. This can lead to the formation of echo chambers, where people
only heat opinions that reinforce their own belief. The negative deviance on social
media that is related to that germ theory is cyberbullying. Cyberbullying occurs when
people use social media to harass or threaten or spread false information about
others. Some people may think it is okay to make fun of others, and this can have
serious consequences like social isolation, distress or even suicide.

2. Political factors certainly affects the spread of ideas and are often included in the germ
theory of ideas. Political factors can include things like political climate of a society,
the laws and regulations in place, and the power of different groups within a society.
For example 1, if there is a strong political movement for change in a society, new ideas
related to that movement or likely to spread. If the politician is hostile to change new
ideas might have a hard time taking hold. Example 2, members of parliament are
elected to represent the nation and serve their best interests but they do the opposite
in parliament and misuse the resources for their own interests. This then grows into
a long chain of members of parliament who do not perform their duties as expected,
the spread of irresponsibilities disseminates among the members of parliament and
leads to a disruption in society.

3. Environment in which the idea is introduced. If an idea is introduced into a community

that is open to new ideas, it is more likely to take hold. Another factor is credibility of
the source of idea, even an idea comes from a trusted source, it’s more likely to be
accepted

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Ways to deal with social germ theory
1. Critical thinking; critical thinking stills help individuals to evaluate the information
they are exposed to and make informed decisions.

2. Media literacy; media literacy is the ability to critically evaluate and understand the
messages conveyed by the media

3. Communication skills; communication skills such as active listening and clear

expression of ideas, can help individuals to have meaningful conversations with
others. This skills also prevents the spread of misinformation and to build
understanding between people.

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