Deviance and Social
Behavior
Chapter 7
Sociology
Objectives
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Define deviance
Define social control and identify the major types of social
control
Discuss the positive and negative consequences of deviance
Differentiate the major functional theories of deviance
Compare and contrast cultural transmission theory and
labeling theory
Discuss the conflict theory view of deviance
Describe four approaches to crime control
What is Deviance?
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Behavior that departs
from societal or group
norms
Deviance varies from
group to group, but in
the US, deviance
usually lands you in
prison
Types of Deviance
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Positive- over do it in order to fit in with
norm
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Anorexia
Negative- do not try to fit in with norm
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obese
So what do we do with deviant
people?
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We encourage people to follow the norms
using “social control”
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Internal- you do something because you know it
is the right thing to do
External- you do something based on the reward
or choose not to do something based on the
punishment (social sanctions)
Should we have a national registry?
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Information on everyone who lives or visits
the US
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Retinal scan
Digital voice recording
DNA sample
Fingerprints
Social security number
How would this information be used?
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Issue one card for driver’s license, voter
registration, concealed carry license, and
any government benefits
Reduce welfare fraud, crime, monitor
movement of criminals/missing people
Do you think this is a good/bad idea?
Explain.
Murder Among the Cheyenne
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Read the selection on page 208 and
answer the Thinking it Over question
Positive and Negative Consequences
of Deviance
Positive
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Deviance clarifies norms
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Use deviance as a temporary outlet for stress
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Teens wear clothes, listen to music to rebel from authority
Deviance increases unity within a group
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Parents may lose their children if they do not properly
care for them
Spies being caught increase our patriotism
Deviance promotes needed social change
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Women suffrage and prison conditions
Negative
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Deviance breeds distrust
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Society cannot run smoothly
Deviance stimulates others to become
deviant
Deviance is expensive
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Resources and money
Role Play
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Act out your situation and the class will
decide if this is positive or negative
deviance.
Theories on Deviance
Strain Theory
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Deviance is more likely to occur when a
gap exists between cultural goals and the
ability to achieve these goals by legitimate
means
How do people respond to strain?
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Accept the goal and accept the hard work to
achieve goal- CONFORMITY
Accept the goal and reject the hard work to
achieve it- INNOVATION
Reject the goal and accepts the hard work (Acts
as if they want to succeed, but lack effort)
RITUALISM
Reject the goal and the work needed (drops out of
race for success)- RETREATISM
Reject the goal and the work needed (new way to
achieve goal)- REBELLION
Control Theory
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Compliance with social norms requires
strong bonds between individuals and
society
What types of social bonds?
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Attachment- the stronger your attachment to
groups, the more likely you are to conform
Commitment- greater your commitment to social
goals, the more likely you are to conform
Involvement- value others opinions and are more
likely to conform
Belief- strong belief in society’s values makes
people not want to be deviant
Cultural Transmission Theories
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Strain and Control Theories are types of
cultural transmission because the goals are
being sent from the culture. Each group
will have different goals and achievements
that are being sought.
Is Teen Smoking a Deviant Behavior?
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Read pg. 213 and answer the Doing
Sociology questions.
Labeling Theory
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Society creates deviants by identifying
them as “deviant”
Self-fulfilling prophecy (tell yourself you are
a certain way, you will believe it)
Being deviant can be occasional (primary)
or often (secondary)
Being called “Deviant” creates a negative
stigma for that person
Conflict Theory
The Rich and Powerful Decide
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People who challenge industrial society are considered
deviant because they challenge the economic, social, and
political basis of society
Industrial society needs workers, so those that refuse to work
are considered deviant
Those who threaten private property are targets for
punishment
Society needs respect, so those who are not respectful are
deviant
Certain activities fit well with industrial society and are
encouraged. Those who do not participate are deviant
Which do you believe?
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Cultural Transmission
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Conflict
Four Approaches to Crime Control
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Rehabilitation- changing or reforming a
criminal through socialization
Deterrence- discourage criminal acts by
threatening punishment
Retribution- punishment intended to make
criminals pay compensation for their acts
Incarceration- protecting society from
criminals by keeping them in prison
Death Penalty
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Has research supported the position that
the death penalty deters crime?
Use your textbook, page 229 to answer the
question
Then complete #3 Project/Activity on page
235.