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Assignment 3 Deviance

Deviance refers to violations of social norms and what is considered deviant can differ between groups. Differential association theory and control theory propose that deviant behavior is learned from others and is influenced by social bonds and commitments that encourage conformity. Labeling theory holds that behaviors are only deemed deviant when labeled as such by society, and that negative labeling can have detrimental consequences by lowering self-esteem and potentially causing those labeled to act more deviantly.

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43 views

Assignment 3 Deviance

Deviance refers to violations of social norms and what is considered deviant can differ between groups. Differential association theory and control theory propose that deviant behavior is learned from others and is influenced by social bonds and commitments that encourage conformity. Labeling theory holds that behaviors are only deemed deviant when labeled as such by society, and that negative labeling can have detrimental consequences by lowering self-esteem and potentially causing those labeled to act more deviantly.

Uploaded by

silent name
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Summary

Deviance and Social control


Deviance is a violation of established contextual, cultural, or social norms. It can
be as minor as picking your nose in public or as major as committing murder.
Different groups have different norms, what is deviant to some is not deviant to
others.

Differential Association Theory tells us that Criminal behavior is learned from


other individuals and with interaction with other persons in a process of
communication and the principle part of the learning of criminal behavior occurs
within intimate personal groups. Differential association theory proposes that the
values, attitudes, techniques, and motives for criminal behavior are learned through
one’s interactions with others. The process of learning criminal behavior may
include learning about techniques to carry out the behavior as well as the motives
and rationalizations that would justify criminal activity and the attitudes necessary
to orient an individual towards such activity.

Control theory tells us that everyone is attracted towards deviant acts but there are
two ways that oppose them. One is the inner control which is a person’s inner
capacity to stop him from doing any deviant act. A persons control is decided by
his morality, religious practices and by his surroundings. Outer controls include
people who influence us. (1)Attachment is the bond we have with the people in our
life. We typically do not want these people to view us negatively or disapprove of
our behavior. We want acceptance and approval from others close to us.
(2)Commitment refers to the investment an individual has in social activities and
institutions. An individual who has invested time, energy, and resources into
conforming to social norms and expectations are less likely to deviate than
someone who has not made such an investment.

Labeling theory holds that behaviors are deviant only when society labels them as
deviant. Labeling theory questions who applies what label to whom, why they do
this, and what happens as a result of this labeling. The consequences of being
labeled as deviant can be devastating. Social research indicates that those who have
negative labels usually have lower self-esteem and are more likely to reject
themselves, and may even act more deviantly as a result of the label.
Unfortunately, people who accept the labeling of others be it correct or incorrect
have a difficult time changing their opinions of the labeled person even in light of
evidence.

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