Functionalism and Deviance Costs of Deviance has both

Functionalism and Deviance

Costs of Deviance has both positive and negative consequences for society. Negative effects- deviance erodes trust; if not punished or corrected, deviance can cause nonconforming behavior in others; and deviant behavior is also expensive Let’s use buses for example. If bus drivers don’t follow planned routes, trust is undermined. If those drivers don’t get punished or corrected and they continue to pass students waiting for the bus, students may get mad and throw stuff at the bus or just not show up at all. Finally, police may end up spending their time chasing those wayward bus drivers or correcting those angry students rather than doing something more serious.

Benefits of Deviance But society can also benefit from deviance in spite of its negative effects. The main benefit of deviance is that it clarifies norms for society. For example when parents lose their children because of neglect, society shows other parents and children how it expects parents to act. It promotes social change, increases social unity and provides a safety valve for teens feeling pressure from authority figures in their lives.

Anomie- a social condition in which norms are weak, conflicting, or absent Without shared norms, individuals are uncertain about how they should think and act. Societies would become disorganized and deviant

Strain Theory In 1968, sociologist Robert Merton developed the Strain Theory based off of Anomie. Strain Theory- theory that deviance is more likely to occur when a gap exists between cultural goals and the ability to achieve these goals by legitimate means Every society establishes some goals and socially approved ways of reaching them. In the US, an important goal is success and material possessions that go with it. Education and hard work are two of the approved means for being successful. When people accept the goal and the means to achieve it, Merton calls this conformity.

4 Responses to the Strain Theory Innovation- individual accepts the goal of success but uses illegal means to achieve it (robbery, drug dealing, etc. ) This is the most widespread and obvious type of deviant response. Ritualism- individual rejects the goal but continues to use the legitimate means. People just going through the motions without caring about the process. An example would be a teacher who works but doesn’t care for students or the quality of their teaching.

Retreatism- a response in which both the legitimate means and approved goals are rejected (drug addicts and homeless are retreatists) These people have dropped out of life almost and do not seek success. Rebellion- people reject both success and the approved means for achieving it. They substitute a new set of goals and means.

Control Theory Developed by Travis Hirschi in 2001. Control Theory- theory that compliance with social norms requires strong bonds between individuals and society Differs from the Stain Theory because of the emphasis on strong bonds between individuals and society. In this theory, social bonds control the behavior of people, thus preventing deviant acts because they don’t want to “lose face” with those close to them.

Basic Elements of Social Bonds Attachment- The stronger your attachment to groups or individuals, the more likely you are to conform. Commitment- Greater your commitment to social goals, the more likely you are to conform. Involvement- Participation in approved social activities increases the probability of conformity. Belief- Belief in the norms and values of society promotes conformity.

Basically when social bonds are WEAK, the chances for deviance INCREASE Individuals who lack the 4 basic elements of social bonds have little incentive to follow the rules of society.

Questions 1. Which of the following is NOT one of the benefits of deviance for society? A. It decreases suspicion and mistrust among members of a society promotes social change C. It increases social unity D. It provides a safety valve B. It 2. Briefly describe the main idea of Strain Theory 3. A high school teacher who simply goes through the motions of teaching classes without any thought of success is an example of which response in strain theory? 4. What are the 4 basic elements needed to create strong social bonds? 5. Describe someone you know (anonymously) who falls into one of the four deviant response categories identified by strain theory.

Should we legalize marijuana? In some US cities, marijuana can be purchases dimply by walking into a store with a medical prescription. Merton would call this innovation because the goal of success is achieve using illegal means (assuming the buyer doesn’t actually need it for medical reasons). Do you think that marijuana should be legalized for medicinal purposes? Do you think marijuana should be legalized for everyone? Does legalization serve as a deterrent to crime?

Class Debate Would the legalization of all drugs help or hurt society? Make a pros and cons list on this topic. Get into groups either for or against this idea and discuss with your group your pros and cons list. If your groups is against, discuss how the legalization of all drugs would hurt society. If your group is in favor, discuss how the legalization of all drugs would benefit society.