Deviance and Social Control: Videos & Practice Problems

Theories of deviance explain social behavior through different lenses: functionalism views deviance as a normal, necessary part of society that clarifies social boundaries and promotes cohesion; conflict theory links deviance to inequality in wealth and power, emphasizing how laws serve to maintain elite control; symbolic interactionism focuses on deviance as a learned, variable behavior shaped by social interactions. Key concepts include social control, labeling theory, strain theory, and differential association, highlighting how deviance is influenced by social structure, power dynamics, and individual experiences within society.

Deviance and Social Control

Deviance is a complex social phenomenon understood through various theoretical perspectives that explain its role and origins within society. From a functionalist viewpoint, deviance is seen as a normal and necessary part of social life. It helps clarify social boundaries by defining what behaviors are acceptable and which are not, thereby enhancing social cohesion. When a society collectively agrees on certain behaviors as deviant, it reinforces a shared sense of belonging among its members. This perspective highlights that deviance is inevitable and serves important functions, such as maintaining order and promoting social unity. Key theories within this framework include Durkheim’s functions of deviance, strain theory, and social disorganization theory, all of which explore how deviance contributes to the stability and functioning of society.

In contrast, the conflict perspective focuses on the role of inequality in generating deviance. It emphasizes how disparities in wealth, power, and resources create conditions where deviance emerges as a response to social and economic inequalities. This approach views deviance as politically charged, where laws and social norms often serve to protect the interests of those in power. Formal negative sanctions, such as legal penalties, are seen as tools of social control used to maintain existing power structures. The conflict perspective also examines differences in crime patterns between individuals of high and low socioeconomic status (SES), illustrating how deviance is intertwined with social stratification and political motives.

The symbolic interactionist perspective offers a micro-level analysis of deviance, focusing on individual interactions and the social construction of deviant behavior. According to this view, deviance is learned through social interactions and varies depending on context and social circumstances. This perspective highlights the fluid and dynamic nature of deviance, suggesting that what is considered deviant in one society or situation may be acceptable in another. Important theories within this framework include differential association theory, which explains deviance as learned behavior; labeling theory, which explores how societal reactions influence deviant identity; and control theory, which examines the social bonds that prevent deviance.

Understanding deviance through these perspectives provides a comprehensive view of how social structures, power dynamics, and interpersonal interactions shape what is considered deviant behavior. This multifaceted approach underscores the importance of context, social norms, and inequality in the study of deviance, offering valuable insights into its causes and functions within society.

Deviance and Social Control Example 1

Sanctions are social responses that either encourage or discourage certain behaviors, and they can be categorized as formal or informal, as well as positive or negative. Formal sanctions involve official procedures or paperwork, such as legal penalties or workplace promotions, while informal sanctions are more social and unofficial, like expressions of approval or disapproval.

For example, when someone cuts in line at a grocery store and receives dirty looks, this is an informal negative sanction. The behavior is socially frowned upon, and the response is a nonverbal social cue rather than an official punishment. Conversely, speeding on the highway and receiving a ticket is a formal negative sanction because it involves legal enforcement and documentation aimed at discouraging unsafe driving.

Positive sanctions reward desirable behavior. Holding the door for a neighbor and receiving a thank you is an informal positive sanction, as it is a social acknowledgment encouraging kindness. Similarly, performing well at a job and earning a promotion is a formal positive sanction, representing an official recognition and reward for good performance.

Understanding the distinction between formal and informal sanctions, as well as positive and negative ones, helps clarify how societies maintain order and promote acceptable behavior through both official channels and everyday social interactions.

True or False: if false, choose the answer that best corrects the statement.
Deviance can be helpful, neutral, or harmful.

• A. True.
• B. False, deviance refers to acts that break the law, meaning they are inherently harmful.
• C. False, deviance is always neutral, but societies decide how to respond.
• D. False, deviance only refers to actions that respond to inequality, making them helpful for society.

Answer: (A)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What are the main theoretical perspectives on deviance in sociology?

In sociology, deviance is understood through three main theoretical perspectives: functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist. The functionalist perspective views deviance as a normal and necessary part of society that helps clarify social boundaries and promote social cohesion. It sees deviance as inevitable and functional for society's stability. The conflict perspective links deviance to social inequality, arguing that those in power define what is deviant to maintain their control and resources, often using sanctions as tools of social control. Lastly, the symbolic interactionist perspective focuses on micro-level interactions, emphasizing that deviance is learned through social interactions and varies depending on context. This perspective includes theories like labeling theory and differential association, highlighting how deviance is socially constructed and dynamic.

How does the functionalist perspective explain the role of deviance in society?

The functionalist perspective sees deviance as an inevitable and necessary part of society. It argues that deviance serves important functions, such as clarifying social boundaries by defining what behaviors are acceptable and which are not. This shared understanding helps increase social cohesion because people feel part of a collective 'in-group' that agrees on norms. Additionally, deviance can promote social change by challenging outdated norms and encouraging new ideas. Emile Durkheim, a key functionalist, believed that deviance helps maintain social order by reinforcing collective values and norms, making society more stable and integrated.

What does the conflict perspective say about the relationship between deviance and social inequality?

The conflict perspective argues that deviance is closely linked to social inequality, particularly inequalities in wealth, power, and resources. It suggests that those in power define what is considered deviant to protect their interests and maintain control over society. Laws and social norms often reflect the values of the powerful, and sanctions are used as tools of social control to suppress marginalized groups. This perspective also highlights that deviance is political, meaning that what is labeled deviant can serve to reinforce existing power structures and prevent disadvantaged groups from gaining resources or influence.

How does symbolic interactionism explain the learning and variability of deviant behavior?

Symbolic interactionism explains deviance as a product of social interactions at the individual level. It emphasizes that deviant behavior is learned through communication and relationships with others who engage in or support such behavior. This perspective includes differential association theory, which suggests that people learn deviance from those they associate with, and labeling theory, which focuses on how being labeled as 'deviant' can influence a person's self-identity and behavior. Symbolic interactionism also stresses that deviance is variable and context-dependent, meaning that what is considered deviant can change based on social circumstances and cultural norms.

What role do social control and sanctions play in managing deviance?

Social control refers to the mechanisms society uses to regulate behavior and ensure conformity to norms. Sanctions are a key part of social control and can be either formal (like laws and punishments) or informal (like social disapproval). These sanctions discourage deviant behavior by imposing consequences on those who violate norms. From a conflict perspective, formal sanctions often serve to protect the interests of powerful groups by controlling marginalized populations. From a functionalist view, sanctions help maintain social order by reinforcing shared norms. Overall, social control and sanctions are essential for managing deviance and maintaining societal stability.