DEVIANCE

DEFINITION:
• Deviance refers to any behavior, belief,
or condition that violates cultural norms
or societal expectations. It encompasses
a wide range of behaviors, from minor
transgressions like cutting in line to
serious offenses like theft or murder
• Deviance is socially constructed,
meaning what is considered deviant
varies across cultures, societies, and
historical periods
 IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING
DEVIANCE IN SOCIOLOGY:
• Understanding social norms
• Social control
• Power dynamics
• Social change
• Identity constructions
• Policy implications
 THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE ON
DEVIANCE:
Different theories presented by
sociologists.
Anomie theory by Durkheim
Control theory
Strain theory
Conflict theory
Labeling theory
Differential association theory
 CONTROL THEORY
• Control theory posits that deviance results
from the breakdown of social bonds and the
weakening of social controls. Developed by
Travis Hirschi, this theory suggests that
individuals are inherently motivated to
engage in deviant behavior but are deterred
by social ties, commitments, and attachments.
When these bonds are weakened or absent,
individuals are more likely to engage in
deviant acts.
• Control theory emphasizes the role of
socialization,
 STRAIN THEORY
• Developed by Robert Merton, strain theory
suggests that deviance occurs when
individuals experience a disjunction between
culturally prescribed goals and the legitimate
means available to achieve them. When
individuals are unable to attain societal goals
through conventional means, they may turn to
deviant behavior as an alternative route to
success. Merton identified five possible
responses to strain: conformity, innovation,
ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.
 CONFLICT THEORY
• Marx's perspective on deviance revolves
around the idea that social inequality and
the capitalist system breed deviant
behavior.
• According to Marx, in a capitalist society, the
bourgeoisie (the ruling class) holds power
and controls the means of production, while
the proletariat (the working class) are
exploited and oppressed. This class division
creates inherent conflicts of interest, as the
bourgeoisie benefit from maintaining the
status quo while the proletariat are
disadvantaged.
 LABELLING THEORY
• This theory suggests that deviance and criminal
behavior are not inherent traits of individuals, but
rather are socially constructed through the labeling
process. According to labeling theorists, when
individuals are labeled as deviant by society, they
may internalize this label and begin to behave
in ways consistent with the label. This process
can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the
labeled individual's behavior conforms to the
expectations set by the label. Labeling Theory
highlights the importance of societal reactions to
deviant behavior and the role of social stigma in
shaping individuals' identities
 DIFFERENTIAL ASSOCIATION THEORY

• Developed by Edwin Sutherland,

Differential Association Theory posits that
criminal behavior is learned through
interactions with others. Individuals are
more likely to engage in deviant behavior if
they are exposed to definitions favorable to
such behavior within their social networks.
The theory emphasizes the role of intimate
social groups, such as family and peers, in
transmitting values, norms, and attitudes that
either encourage or discourage deviant
behavior.
 ANOMIE THOERY BY DURKHEIM

• Émile Durkheim, a prominent sociologist,

developed the theory of anomie as part of
his broader framework known as
structural functionalism. Anomie refers to
a state of normlessness or a breakdown of
social norms and values within a society.
Durkheim introduced this concept in his
seminal work "The Division of Labor in
Society" (1893) and further elaborated
on it in his study "Suicide" (1897).
 TYPES OF DEVIANCE

• A. FORMAL DEVIANCE
• 1. CRIME
• 2. LAW BREAKING
BEHAVIOR
• B. INFORMAL DEVIANCE
• 1. SOCIAL NORMS
VIOLATIONS
• 2. STIGMATIZED BEHAVIORS
 DEVIANCE AND CULTURE

• The relationship between deviance and

culture is complex and varies across
different societies and contexts. Culture
shapes what is considered deviant
behavior within a society.
• Cultural Relativism: What is
considered deviant in one culture may be
acceptable in another. For example, in
some cultures, polygamy is considered
normal and acceptable, while in others it
is seen as deviant.