Deviance and Social
Control
Norms
Norms are an important part of culture.
They help us decide what behaviors are
proper and improper in various settings.
 You may be following them without even
realizing it.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgso3
Y-l0h8
 http://improveverywhere.com/2006/08/1
9/slo-mo-home-depot/
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Deviance
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Deviance- refers to behavior that departs from societal or
group norms.
Example
Who do you think decides who and what is deviant?
What is defined as deviant is agreed upon by consensus.
The reaction the comes from the deviant act is key.
What is Deviance?
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Specific form of deviance:
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Wearing heavy make-up- considered deviant
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Criminal behavior- recognized by almost all members of
society as deviant.
Crime – the violation of rules that have been written into
law.
by some religious groups.
Eating a snickers with your fork?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=IlzliGfdpp
M&feature=endscreen
Deviance is not always clear cut such as
robbery or assault. Ex. Mike Tyson
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“what is deviant” varies from society to society
and group to group. Often difficult to agree if
in society such as the U.S.
Positive & Negative
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Negative deviance: involves behavior that
fails to meet accepted norms.
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Either reject, misinterpret, or are unaware of
the norms.
Positive deviance: involves behavior that
overconforms to social expectations.
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Example: Rosa Parks
Social Control
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Social Control: ways to
promote conformity to
society’s norms.
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Society would be
uncontrollable and
unpredictable without
social control.
Ex. Stopping at red
lights and receiving the
correct amount of
change.
2 types Social Control
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Internal: lies within the individual
 Developed during the socialization process.
 You do something because you know it’s the
right thing to do or don’t do something
because it is the wrong thing to do.
 Ex: Stealing
External: is based on social sanctions- rewards or
punishments that encourage conformity to social
norms.
 Positive : awards or promotions
 Negative: criticism, fines, or imprisonment.
Sanctions can also be formal or informal.