Deviance What is the first thing that comes

Deviance What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear, “deviance” or “deviants”? How would you define deviant behavior? Why is it important to study social deviance?

Sociological View of Deviance * Deviance is much more than a personal characteristic. * Deviance can be viewed as a form of social conflict. Power, then, is an important resource – e. g. , the power of deviants to engage in non-normative behaviors undetected; or the power of some groups in society to create rules for others and to label others. (e. g. , “Moral entrepreneurs”) * Nothing is inherently deviant – there always has to be some social comparison. * Deviance can be understood in terms of choice, selection, and purpose. * Diversity is often labeled deviance.

What is often the first line of defense against deviance? REPUDIATION (the attempt to maintain that nothing terribly unusual is happening). Forms: 1. Bracketing 2. Normalization 3. Attenuation 4. Balancing What if repudiation doesn’t work? One may give ACCOUNTS.

Next, the individual is recognized as a doer of banned behavior - i. e. , what follows is LABELING. 3 Basic Ways Individuals Can Respond to Labeling: 1. Accept label as warranted. 2. Fight label. 3. Benefit from label.

WHO IS ON THE SIDE OF THE DEVIANT? “the own” and “the wise” 4 TYPES OF STIGMA: 1. abominations of body 2. blemishes of character 3. tribal stigma 4. courtesy stigma STRATEGIES TO MANAGE STIGMA: • try to hide or change • learn to live with it

Describe an instance when you (or someone you know) was defined as “deviant”. What norm(s) had been violated? What were the consequences? Who was the “enforcer”? What gave this person the right (or power) to define this individual as deviant?

The Functionalist Perspective Deviance is viewed as contributing to the social order. Deviance is functional because it strengthens the bonds of an existing social order – i. e. , it promotes social solidarity. >> Other functions?

Merton’s Strain Theory Relationship between cultural goals and legitimate, structural means to achieve goals: Goals + + +/- Means + + +/-

Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory Deviance is learned in interaction with others. The learning includes techniques and rationalizations. (Akers added the role of reinforcement – one will engage in deviant behaviors if a reward is expected).

Control Theory Deviant acts result when one’s bond to society is weak or broken. Hirschi identified 4 dimensions of social bonding: 1. attachment 2. commitment 3. involvement 4. beliefs

Labeling Theory What is defined as deviance? Who is defined as deviant? Lemert – “primary deviance” = behavior that violates a social norm but that does not affect one’s sense of self “secondary deviance” = norm violation that is a response to the problems caused by the societal reaction to primary deviance

Becker – deviance as a “master status” Braithwaite – “reintegrative shaming” = moral disapproval followed by efforts to bring offender back into the community (Consistent with Restorative Justice) “disintegrative shaming” = both the offense and offender are labeled deviant

Sykes & Matza’s Neutralization Theory The line between conformity and deviance is not always clear. Techniques of neutralization: 1. denial of responsibility 2. denial of injury 3. denial of victim 4. condemnation 5. appeal to higher loyalties

Deviance in Academe Students - Cheating in college; e. g. , plagiarism, copying others’ work, fabricating bibliography (OTHER EXAMPLES? ) Students use techniques of neutralization to justify the act of cheating. Faculty – in research: plagiarism, stretching the value of academic work, referee process, human subjects; in teaching: failure to update course materials, over-evaluation of students (OTHER EXAMPLES? )

The Social Disorganization Perspective (or The “Chicago School”) Deviance can be explained by looking at the structure of the environment. Deviance is a natural by-product of rapid social change – the normative web of society is stripped of its power to control people (this is “social disorganization”). Two by-products of disorganization: 1. In the short term, there is movement in the direction of deviance. 2. In the long term, there is movement in the direction of normative reorganization.

Urbanization refers to the process of growing concentrations of people in cities. Urbanism refers to the cluster of qualities and characteristics that distinguish the city from rural areas. 6 characteristics of urban life that are conducive to deviance: 1. Norm Conflicts 2. Rapid Cultural Change 3. Mobility 4. Materialism 5. Individualism 6. Increase in formal social controls

SOCIAL CONTROL – DELIBERATE ATTEMPTS TO CHANGE BEHAVIOR 2 BASIC PROCESSES OF SOCIAL CONTROL: 1. The internalization of group norms (comes through socialization) 2. External pressures in the form of sanctions (negative and positive; formal and informal)

COMMON INSTITUTIONS OF SOCIAL CONTROL: Institution Agent Religion Business Political State Family Deviance Sanction DISCUSSION QUESTION: In what ways might social control agencies contribute to deviance problems?

Street Crime Offenders (general or typical profile)… Minority males with limited economic opportunity Living in poverty Having fragmented links to institutions of informal social control Socialized into criminal activities Street Crime Victims – those who fit the profile of the offender are also those who are the most likely to experience victimization (poor, unemployed, minority, male, young)

For the most part, police work is reactive (i. e. , a reaction to crime that has already occurred), rather than proactive (i. e. , preventing crime from occurring or stopping crime in progress) WHY? WHAT COULD CHANGE THIS?

THE UNIFORM CRIME REPORTS’ CRIME INDEX INCLUDES 8 OFFENSES: 1. Homicide 2. Forcible Rape 3. Robbery 4. Aggravated Assault 5. Burglary 6. Larceny-Theft 7. Motor Vehicle Theft 8. Arson THE UCR HOME PAGE IS FOUND AT: http: //www. fbi. gov/ucr. htm

Sources used to measure crime: official record data victim survey data self-report crime survey data WHAT ARE SOME PROBLEMS IN THESE DATA?

Motives behind drug dealing: Financial gain, greed, addiction to the lifestyle Mechanics of drug dealing: Good business sense Keen judge of character Good reputation among dealers and smugglers IN WHAT WAYS ARE DRUG DEALERS LIKE OTHER BUSINESS PEOPLE IN CONVENTIONAL TYPES OF JOBS?

Rape and Sexual Assault Home as a “comfort zone” – what does this mean? Victims’ Coping Strategies may include “forgetting” and “minimizing”

Explanations of rape: The social organization of rape (consider common rape myths: rape is impossible; rape is perpetrated by a stranger; rape is victim-precipitated). Gender socialization – consider how males and females are socialized. Rape as expressed through traditional gender roles of male domination and female subordination.

The address for my website, from which the Power. Point slides are available: http: //www. d. umn. edu/~jwilson 2/

Approaches for understanding aggressive/violent behavior: Freud’s Instinct Theory – We have an innate urge to destroy. Hostile impulses are released. Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis – When we are frustrated, we become motivated to aggress. Arousal Transfer Model of Aggression – Arousal in one situation can be transferred to a second situation and the behavior is exaggerated. Cultural Explanations – Consider the cultural acceptance of violence (e. g. , glorifying violence). Also, consider social structural factors (e. g. , unequal distribution of opportunities).

Focus on youth violence Why does it occur? Why is there so much anger? Consider the family fabric – the family is no longer necessarily a “safe place”. James Garbarino is a national expert on youth violence. He says that kids who commit violent acts are typically at the first level in Kohlberg’s moral development classification system. What can adults do to protect kids from negative moral development, and teach them good moral sense? Stimulate the development of empathy; protect kids from degrading, dehumanizing, and desensitizing images; support kids’ spiritual development (involvement in a non-punitive religious institution).

Questions for Consideration and Discussion: 1. Should children who commit violent acts be held responsible for their actions? 2. Is it fair to treat juvenile criminals as adults? 3. What should the response to juvenile violence be: treatment or punishment (or some combination, or something else)? 4. How can juvenile violence be prevented?

White-Collar Crime – deviance “in the suites” * Harmful to individuals outside the organization. * Furthers aims of corporation. * Supported or tolerated by top execs. * New employees are encouraged to participate in the deviance. Types of White-Collar Crime: crimes against the company crimes against employees crimes against customers crimes against general public [FOR EACH, CONSIDER EXAMPLES AND RATIONALIZATIONS]

What makes white-collar crime likely? * Structure of corporations – economic power; workers may feel a lack of responsibility. * Imperialism – corporations look for cheap labor and natural resources and end up exploiting people and land. * Executives may use techniques that make them look innocent – e. g. , denial of harm, appeal to necessity, transfer of responsibility, entitlement. * Reflection of society – some groups have the power to ensure that their activities are not defined as crimes; laws may not be enforced.

What kinds of safety violations does the Mc. Wane Corporation commit and what are the consequences for workers? What rationale is given for these violations? How does Worker’s Compensation end up protecting the company? Why hasn’t anything changed?

Drug use as deviance – 4 aspects of chemical substances: *psychoactive *recreational dimension *illegality *public definition

What are some explanations for substance use? *Alleviation of pain *Getting high *Relief of tension, anxiety, or boredom *Source of identity *Peer pressure *Expression of defiance *Increased endurance, concentration, perceived skill *Release inhibitions *Lose control/responsibility *Expression of self-destructive tendencies *Religious purposes – a search for the sacred?

The Illegality of Drugs 1875 – San Francisco passed a city ordinance banning the smoking of opium, primarily as a tool against Chinese laborers. Laws that make drug use “deviance” serve to symbolize the moral superiority of members of the dominant culture. Drug use will be transformed into deviance when it threatens the capitalist system. Transforming drug use into deviance serves to legitimize surveillance in the workplace. What has been U. S. society’s reaction to drug use? What are some alternatives? Arguments for legalization?

Consider the experiences of Marc Emery, “the Prince of Pot” http: //www. cannabisculture. com/articles/4639. html

THE SOCIAL DRUGS: Tobacco *The smoker as “deviant”? Caffeine *Think about what an important symbol coffee is in American culture. Alcohol *Identify powerful social and economic forces that encourage people to drink. *Consider alcohol’s toll. *Consider the medicalization of alcoholism. What are some implications? What about alternative views of addiction? (e. g. , Stanton Peele)

Are addictions a function of the brain, or are they bad habits? Stanton Peele defines addiction as a pattern of behavior and experience which is best understood by examining an individual’s relationship with his/her world. Implications of this view: addiction is not a medical problem; addiction is not unusual. “Harm Reduction” – Instead of trying to eliminate illegal drugs, we can focus on limiting the damage that some people do to themselves and others as a result of abusing drugs.

Key techniques of Harm Reduction Therapy: Accept and respond to improvement. Humility (vs. perfectionism) is a clinical skill. Therapists need to realize that change takes time. Learning to take care of oneself is a skill. Peele advocates “motivational interviewing” – i. e. , therapist prompts the individual to reflect on his/her drinking in terms of his/her own values and goals.

Mental Disorder Difficult to define. We could contrast it with “mental health, ” but how do we define that? ? Let’s define mental disorder as an extreme condition that makes a person incapable of functioning in daily life. “Residual rule breaking” (Scheff) – Behaviors which: a. violate social norms, b. don’t fall within a specific category c. could lead to being labeled as mentally ill

David Rosenhan (1973) – “On Being Sane in Insane Places” Can the sane be distinguished from the insane? “Pseudopatients” gained admission to psychiatric wards and then acted “normally. ” Staff interpreted their behaviors through the “mentally ill” label. This experiment demonstrated the power of the label.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) (based on Kesey’s 1962 novel) Questions to consider: Evaluate therapy sessions and the “daily routine. ” Who defines the situation? Why would people who aren’t committed to a mental hospital stay there anyway? Does it appear that the concept, “self-fulfilling prophecy, ” is relevant in this movie? If so, in what way?

DICA – Disorders Usually First Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – Inattention, impulsiveness, hyperactivity. Symptoms: fidgeting, impatience, etc. Oppositional Defiant Disorder – Violations of informal norms. Symptoms: short temper, defiance. Eating Disorders – Pica and rumination disorder. Tic Disorders – Involuntary, rapid motor movements.

Elimination Disorders – Defecation and urination into places not appropriate. Identity Disorder – Distress over long-term goals, friendship patterns, sexual orientation, religious identification. Reactive Attachment Disorder – Condition resulting from abuse or neglect. Difficulty relating to others. ARE ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS REALLY ‘ILLNESSES’? UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES MIGHT THESE BEHAVIORS BE CONSIDERED NORMATIVE? WITH RESPECT TO THESE CONDITIONS, WHAT IS THE ROLE OF… THE FAMILY? EXPOSURE TO MEDIA? SOCIAL CONTROL?

Suicide Review Durkheim’s study of suicide – e. g. , what is the relationship between religion and suicide? Durkheim asserted that there are two crucial relationships an individual has with his/her environment – how integrated one is and how regulated. He argued that suicide is most likely to occur when the social ties that bind people to one another are too weak or too strong. He identified four types of suicide: altruistic – Associated with high integration. egoistic – Associated with low integration. fatalistic – Associated with excessive regulation. anomic – Associated with not enough regulation.

Suicide How do we know if it was a suicide? The recording of a death as a suicide is complicated by possible sources of error: 1. Concealment by social groups who vary in their condemnation of suicide. 2. Misclassification by coroners and medical examiners. What are some clues that it was a suicide? suicide note, mode of death/circumstances, bio

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teenagers aged 15 -19 (after motor vehicle accidents and unintentional injury) What are some factors that might contribute to teen suicide?

Attempted Suicide “Ordinary People” – 1980 movie based on the novel, Ordinary People, by Judith Guest. What kind of stigma is associated with someone who attempts suicide? Why does Conrad associate the hospital with some comfort? Who are the members of Conrad’s “the own” and “the wise”? How is Conrad’s seeing a psychiatrist viewed? In what ways are the effects of labeling manifested? What kind of family dynamics do we see?

Sexual Deviance Alfred Kinsey With his extensive research about individuals’ sexual activities, he took the sexual pulse of America. The Kinsey Report was his report on Americans’ sexual practices (in 1948) -- the findings surprised people.

Sexual Deviance What are some different “styles” of prostitution? (e. g. , streetwalkers, call girls) Who else is involved in the subculture of prostitution? the pimp the john How do prostitutes view the client? (think of the terminology – “turning tricks”)

Sexual Deviance What are some sociological explanations of prostitution? Exploitation – Poverty and inequality are the main factors. Functionalism – Prostitution is said to preserve the social order. Learning – Prostitutes are made, not born. Labeling – 3 stages to becoming a prostitute: drift, transition, professionalization.

SHOULD PROSTITUTION BE LEGAL? (Perhaps certain styles or kinds of prostitution, such as private consenting adult sexwork? ) IMPLICATIONS?

Sexual Deviance “Coming Out As A Transgendered Person” Some terms in the article: “transgenderists” “transsexuals” “transvestites” “ambigenderists” A Third Gender? The “berdache” (i. e. , those who have a mix of both genders) are commonly accepted in many Native American tribes. Viewed as having a special status, as if blessed by the gods. Thought to be the “middle gender, ” and seen as prophets and visionaries. [Consider a gender continuum, separate from biological sex types]

Sexual Deviance What challenges are faced by individuals whose gender does not match their sex? What, in this article, was most striking to you? How do we “do” gender?

Sexual Deviance, Everyday Deviance, Meddling “Deviants on Talk Shows” With respect to sexual deviance (or deviants), what purposes do talk shows serve? In addition to sexual deviance, what other topics/behaviors are typically dealt with on talk shows? In what manner is this done, and to what effect?

Meddling as Deviant? Consider the work of Chuck Edgley & Denny Brissett – “Health Nazis” (society’s emphasis on the moral responsibility we have to achieve the perfect body). MEDDLING What is meddling? A thrusting of oneself, often boldly, into the affairs of others. 2 types of meddlers: amateur and professional Why people meddle: generate money, establish power, entertainment, develop self-knowledge, a way to be remembered, feeling of superiority

Meddling Justifications given for meddling: “It affects me, too. ” “It’s best for everyone involved. ” “It’s for your own good. ” “You don’t know what you’re doing. ” “I’m just trying to help. ” Why people allow themselves to be meddled with: Belief in expertise. Doubt and fear. Sympathy, attention, etc.

Meddling Rationales for Meddling: * Belief in rational solutions to human problems. * Declining belief in fate, luck, chance. * Belief in the expertise of specialists. * The rise of therapeutic ethic. * Focus on others’ expectations (David Riesman’s notion of other-directedness). * The Rights Revolution. Consider ideological rationales available to the meddler: health, the children, community, prevention, etc.

Meddling Questions for Discussion: Is meddling a deviant act? How is meddling connected to conformity, morality, and individual responsibility for well-being? What is the relevance of the “blaming the victim” phenomenon? What justifications have you used (or observed others using) for meddling? What are some positive aspects of meddling?

The Disease (or Medical) Model of Deviance is attributed to illness rather than willful activity; deviance is a “condition” with identifiable causes, which may be cured. What form does social control take? (Treatment) If one’s condition may be categorized as “medical, ” then he/she is cast into the “sick role. ” Implications of this perspective?

Informal Deviance - Deviation from commonly accepted customs and practices (EXAMPLES? ). Others’ reactions…informal social control may take the form of ridicule, glances, gossip. The informal deviance may be unintentional (e. g. , wearing clothing not appropriate for the situation), or it may be intentional (e. g. , members of subcultures expressing their deviant identity).

Deviance in Everyday Interactions “Everyday Deviances” are occasional slip-ups which temporarily mark one as awkward. Efforts to avoid everyday deviances: 1. Control of Space 2. Control of Props 3. Control of Bodies

Informal Deviance - Style Appearance & Self - What does our appearance say about who we are? What kind of identity are we trying to present? Appearance & Gender – What kinds of sanctions are applied when people don’t dress consistent with their sex? Appearance & Age – What expectations (in terms of appearance) do we have of someone based upon his/her age?

Informal Deviance - Sports & Conformity “The American Ideology of Sport” Sports & Deviance * Deviant conduct on the field of play * Deviant conduct off the field * Manipulation of the outcome of games (e. g. , gambling) SHOULD ATHLETES BE HELD TO HIGHER STANDARDS?

Informal Deviance – Rock Music Opposition to rock music has come from: Parents (e. g. , Parents’ Music Resource Center) Academics (e. g. , scholars who condemn rock music as part of mass culture; psychiatrists who link rock music to problems faced by adolescents) Religious leaders (suggestions that rock music corrupts youth) Politicians (e. g. , the Conservative Right; Mc. Carthy’s followers in the 1950 s; Vice-President Spiro Agnew in the 1970 s) Media (control rock subcultures by co-optation; perform gatekeeping functions) ARE THEMES OF ROCK MUSIC MORE DEVIANT THAN THOSE IN OTHER GENRES OF MUSIC?

Informal Deviance - Emotions Sociologist Arlie Hochschild feeling rules – Prescriptions for how we ought to feel in given situations. emotion work – Attempts to change, in degree or quality, an emotion or feeling (“surface acting” or “deep acting”). EXAMPLES OF VIOLATING FEELING RULES -- WHAT WERE THE CONSEQUENCES? MUST MEN AND WOMEN ABIDE BY DIFFERENT FEELING RULES? IMPLICATIONS OF OUR ENGAGING IN SO MUCH EMOTION WORK?

Cyberspace Consider (socio-historically) the relationship between new technologies and deviant behavior. What types of deviant behaviors are possible in cyberspace? (e. g. , sexual deviancy, identity play, illegal downloads, cyber slacking) IMPLICATIONS?

Subcultures A subculture is a collection of norms, values, and beliefs whose content is distinguishable from that of the dominant culture. For some people, participation in a subculture reinforces beliefs they hold. For others, exposure to a subculture may cause them to question their mainstream beliefs. For many people, subcultures are a means of establishing relationships with others like themselves.

Subcultures are often based on musical style (e. g. , punk, disco, rap) Subcultures often have their own slang and jargon. EXAMPLES? Examples of subcultures: youth culture, delinquent subculture, street addict subculture, prostitution, biker subculture (OTHERS? )