SOCIAL DEVIANCE

AND SOCIAL
CONTROL
 Psychologist’s perspectives on deviance: biological
& Freudian Theories (coping mechanisms,
frustrations, defense mechanisms, id-ego-
superego system)
 Sociologists’ perspectives
on deviance: non-
conformity, non-
observance, non-adherence
to norms, ‘breaking the
norms,’ challenging of
defiance of standards;
setting new set of
philosophies or ideologies
(Bases of deviance)
 Reasons why people
deviate: a matter of
choice, an alternative
lifestyle, a personality
outcome, an ‘extension of
freedom,’ a belief system,
a cultural trait of
idiosyncracy.
 Norms are classified into
folkways, mores and laws;
non-conformity to any of
these types is deviance.
 Deviance is a multi-
dimensional concept; Social
deviants can be further
classified as physical
deviants, mental deviants,
political deviants (leftists),
‘religious’ deviants among
others; counter cultures as
examples;
 Deviance and Social
Control: sanctions,
system of rewards and
punishment, levels of
acceptance and
rejection; On
prostitution: refer to
‘framework’.
 “Deviants do not necessarily
retard social advance; deviance
is either positive or negative.”
 Conceptual vs. operational definitions: What
is homosexual
 Variations of homosexuality; lesbianism,
bisexuality
 Theories of homosexuality: biological
(nature) vs. cultural (nurture)
1. Immorality vs. amorality
2. Issue on trans-sexuality (transgenderism)
3. Assets or liabilities? (gay instructors, gay
politicians)
4. Objects of ridicule?
5. Gay rights (legalization of gay marriages)
1. “The society is sick as it pinpoints the 3rd
sex as ‘immorals.’”
2. “Have you really accepted the 3rd sex?”
3. “Would you like to have gay children?”
4. “Are we ready for homosexuality?”
5. “A revolution of the 3rd sex is an endless
revolution unless the society accepts them
as alternative gender…& as co-equals of
men and women.”
1. Deviance is not all
about “nature against
nurture”. It’s a
consequence of “nature
and nurture”.
2. Deviance is not all
about minority… the
minority have to be
compared to the
cultural mainstream.
3. Deviance is a multi-
dimensional
phenomenon.
4. Deviance can be
simple, moderate &
extreme.
5. Not all deviants are
liabilities: some are
assets of the
society.
6. Social control is the
observance of a system
of rewards and
punishment (sanctions).
7. Social control is
designed to ensure
conformity to norms.
8. Extreme deviants must
be extremely
sanctioned.
9. Moral deviants are
either accepted or
rejected by the
heterosexuals.
10. Gays and prostitutes are
stigmatized as
‘immorals.’
11. Prostitution, in general,
reflects poverty.
12. Promiscuity ?
12. Homosexuality and
prostitution are
multidimensional
concepts.
13. The issues on
homosexuality are thrown
back to the heterosexuals.
14. Legalization of gay
marriages is an exercise in
futility; the 1987
Constitution does not
contain provisions for the
3rd sex; Morals are one
basis in the formulation of
laws.
15. Acknowledging homosexuality as a social
problem indicates a conservative, moralist
orientation.
16. Homosexuality is no big deal for the
liberal-minded heterosexuals.
17. A ‘counter narrative’ on homosexuality
may help re-frame mentalities’.
18. Establishing organizations and social movements is
necessary to liberate the 3rd sex (and the women)
from the ‘oppressive’ patriarchal society
(kalapastanganan, kapalaluhan at kasakiman ng mga
kalalakihan. KKKK).
19. The postmodern society isn’t ready yet for
homosexuality.
20. Filipinos, in general, are still culture-bound, and are
tied up to moral constraints.