Overview
This lecture covers major theories of deviance from both positivist and constructionist perspectives, including key theorists and essential concepts.
Positivist Perspectives on Deviance
- Positivist perspective assumes clear, universally agreed-upon norms defining right and wrong.
- Anomie (Strain) Theory by Durkheim and expanded by Merton: deviance occurs when there's a disconnect between societal goals and means to achieve them.
- Merton’s five adaptations to strain: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion.
- Social Learning Theory: deviance is learned behavior through interactions, especially within intimate personal groups (Differential Association by Sutherland).
- The more frequent deviant associations, the higher the likelihood of deviance.
- Control Theory: deviance results from lack of social control; everyone is naturally inclined to deviate unless restrained.
- Key controls include social bonds and shaming (to be read in detail).
Constructionist Perspectives on Deviance
- Constructionism argues that deviance is defined by society and is not inherent in any act.
- Labeling Theory: deviance is a status imposed by others, especially by those with power.
- Powerful groups are more able to apply deviant labels and avoid being labeled themselves.
- Being labeled deviant often leads individuals to continue or increase deviant behavior (self-fulfilling prophecy).
- Conflict Theory (rooted in Marxism): deviance is linked to power and inequality in society.
- Those with power define deviance to maintain control; systems of social control serve the powerful.
- Root causes of deviance include social inequality and capitalism.
- Reducing deviance requires addressing societal inequality.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anomie — a breakdown or absence of social norms leading to normlessness.
- Strain Theory — deviance arises from the gap between cultural goals and accessible means.
- Differential Association — deviance is learned through interactions with deviant peers.
- Control Theory — deviance occurs when social controls are weak or absent.
- Labeling Theory — deviance is a label assigned by others, often by the powerful.
- Conflict Theory — deviance stems from societal inequalities and struggles for power.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read updates to anomie/strain theory by Cohen and Cloward & Ohlin.
- Review critiques of anomie/strain, social learning, and control theories in the textbook.
- Study Differential Identification, Differential Reinforcement, and the two main control sub-theories: social bonds and shaming.
- Read about the six subcategories of conflict theory as detailed in the textbook.