Overview
This lecture covers six major sociological theories explaining deviant behavior, focusing on their core ideas, key concepts, and real-life implications.
Control Theory
- Control theory states that social bonds to family, friends, and community encourage conformity to social norms.
- Socialization instills self-control, making people obey norms even without external enforcement.
- The fear of disappointing or embarrassing loved ones discourages deviance.
- Most people follow rules most of the time because they internalize societal norms.
Durkheim's Theory of Deviance
- Deviance is not inherent in any act; society determines what is deviant or criminal.
- Actions are deemed criminal because they shock the collective conscience.
- Deviance serves functions: clarifying values, uniting people, increasing conformity through sanctions, and enabling cultural change.
- Punishment of deviance strengthens community bonds and boundaries.
Merton’s Strain Theory
- Strain theory explains deviance as adaptation to societal goals and the means available to achieve them.
- When access to legitimate means is blocked, people may use deviant methods to reach culturally approved goals (e.g., wealth).
- Both deviant and non-deviant behaviors can aim for the same objectives, such as financial success.
Cultural Transmission Theory
- Deviance is learned through interaction with others who endorse criminal behavior.
- No one is born deviant; criminal attitudes, motives, and techniques are taught.
- Differential association describes how exposure to deviant groups fosters deviant behavior.
Social Disorganization Theory
- Crime rates are higher in neighborhoods lacking strong community relationships and institutions (schools, families, churches).
- Breakdown of community supervision and support makes deviance more common, especially among youth.
- Neighborhoods with high poverty, unemployment, diversity, and residential turnover often experience more deviance.
Labeling Theory
- Labeling theory focuses on how society labels certain behaviors and individuals as deviant.
- The process of labeling can influence individuals to accept a deviant identity.
- Agents of social control (e.g., police, teachers) play a key role in labeling.
- The same behavior can be labeled differently depending on social status or power.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Control Theory — explains conformity via social bonds and self-control.
- Deviance — behavior violating social norms.
- Strain Theory — deviance arises when people cannot achieve societal goals through approved means.
- Cultural Transmission — learning deviant behavior from others.
- Social Disorganization — higher deviance from weak community structures.
- Labeling Theory — deviance results from society’s reaction and the labeling process.
- Differential Association — process of learning deviance from close associations.
- Collective Conscience — shared norms and values of society.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read the textbook section on Dr. Zardo’s abandoned car experiment.
- Watch the "What Would You Do?" video linked in the course.
- Complete the chapter six assignment pairing theories with real news stories.