What is Deviance Defining Deviance Not perversion or

What is Deviance?

Defining Deviance �Not perversion or depravity �Deviance = behaviour that violates the standards of conduct or expectations of a group or society �Based on this sociological definition, deviance is universal. �We are all deviant from time to time. �Each of us violates common social norms in certain situations.

Examples of Deviance �Alcoholics, compulsive gamblers, and people with mental illnesses would be classified as deviants. �Deviant acts = being late for class, dressing too casually for a formal wedding

Is Being Overweight an Example of Deviance? �Beauty myth (exagerrated ideal of beauty, beyond the reach of all but a few females – Naomi Wolf) �In order to shed their “deviant” image and conform to (unrealistic) societal norms, many women and girls become consumed with adjusting their appearances.

Deviance �Involves the violation of group norms, which may or may not be formalized into law. �Comprehensive concept that includes not only criminal behaviour but also many actions not subject to prosecution. �Deviation from norms is not always negative or criminal

Normative Standards �Deviance is viewed according to normative standards. �It is subject to social definitions within a particular society. �In most instances, those individuals and groups with the greatest status and power define what is acceptable and what is deviant

Deviance and Social Stigma �Some people are unwillingly cast in negative social roles. �Stigma (Goffman 1963) = sociological theory to describe the labels society uses to devalue members of certain social groups �Prevailing expectations about beauty and body shape may prevent people who are regarded as ugly or obese from advancing as rapidly as their abilities permit.

Social Stigma Continued… �Obese or anorexic = assumption of weak character, viewed as “disfigured” or “strange” �Goffman called it “spoiled identity” �What constitutes disfigurement is up for interpretation �Many women who are considered “normal” looking still have plastic surgery �Not just women who feel uncomfortable with their appearance �Men accounted for 9% of plastic surgery in 2006

Stigma for past behaviour �People are often stigmatized for deviant behaviour they may no longer engage in. �Labels like “compulsive gambler”, “exconvict”, “recovering alcoholic”, “exmental patient” can stick with a person for life. �Stigma symbol (Goffman) = symbol that discredits or debases a person’s identity (ex. child molester) �Often times these stigma symbols may not be obvious but are a matter of public record.

The Stigma of Homelessness �Have trouble getting job �Employers are wary of applicants who cannot give a home address �Difficult to hide homelessness �Regardless of a person’s positive attributes, employers can regard the spoiled identity of homelessness as sufficient reason to dismiss an employee