Bernard Cohen, Queens College, CUNY
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Deviance and Social Pathology
I. Introduction
A variety of definitions, key theoretical perspectives, and concepts are presented
and analyzed in an effort to increase knowledge and understanding of the numerous ways
that deviant behavior may be defined, explained and interpreted. Although strong
emphasis is placed on sociological determinants of deviant behavior, biological and
psychological factors also are examined in order to present students with a balanced view
and appreciation of the complexity and diversity of this subject. Each student is
encouraged to formulate his/her conceptualization of deviance and assess each position
and orientation. Several methodological approaches are illustrated in order to familiarize
students with various limitations of these procedures. Ethnographic procedures are
selected for detailed analysis. The student is shown how to conduct research on deviant
behavior emphasizing ways in which theories, concepts, and policy recommendations are
formulated from data. Prostitution, drug abuse and mental illness are utilized as the
primary illustrative examples. One major feature of this course is its cross-cultural and
global perspective. Current research will be presented on how police deal with qualityof-life offenses in a variety of cultures, including the Bronx, N.Y., the Alverado-Lake
area in Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Germany and Hong Kong, China.
II. Objectives
The objectives of this course are to:
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Broaden our understanding of the meanings of deviant behavior.
Identify various key theoretical perspectives concerning deviant behavior and
integrate them.
Examine how the social structure impacts on deviance and how deviance affects
the social structure.
Learn a variety of methodological techniques for conducting research on deviant
behavior.
Determine when, where and how it is useful to treat deviant behavior.
Develop skills in expressing, interpreting, and using information and ideas.
Help people develop a respect for human dignity in all individuals.
III. Meaning of Deviant Behavior
A.
SAMPLE DEFINITIONS AND MODELS
1.
2.
Webster’s Dictionary: Deviance is a violation of a norm.
Conflict Model (John Lofland): Deviance is not an absolute phenomenon, but a
relative term. The most powerful groups decide what is deviant.
BERNARD COHEN, QUEENS COLLEGE, CUNY
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Consensus Model (Talcott Parsons): There is a majority consensus in society of
what constitutes deviance. Thus, deviance is deemed as any kind of behavior that
will disrupt the functioning of society.
Labelling (Howard Becker): Deviance is any behavior that people so label.
Reaction-Intervention (Edwin Schur): Human behavior is deviant to the extent
that it comes to be viewed as a personally discreditable departure from a group’s
normative expectations and this departure elicits interpersonal or collective
reactions that serve to isolate, treat, correct or punish individuals engaged in such
behavior. A distinction is made between the terms “discreditable” and
“discredited” (Erving Goffman).
High and Low Consensus Deviance (Alexander Thio): In this model, behaviors
declared deviant are placed on a continuum. Those acts which the majority of the
population judge as deviant are placed at the upper or high end of the continuum
(e.g., cheating on an exam).
Deviance as a Sensitizing Concept (Herbert Blumer): Behaviors deemed deviant
can rarely be defined with precision. Such behaviors only serve to sensitize the
group as to what is considered deviant.
B.
PARADIGMS FOR CLASSIFICATION
1.
Robert Merton’s paradigm of crime and deviance categorizes five types of
behavior: Predatory acts, mala prohibita, law-abiding deviance, normative acts
and mala in se, when not illegal.
Bernard Cohen’s paradigm of crime and deviance makes a distinction between
norm violations and norm violators and between intrinsic and extrinsic
deviance.
Crime and Deviance (Edward Sagarin): (a) Crime and deviance are equivalent;
(b) crime and deviance are two distinct phenomena; (c) crime is the generic or
global conceptual term and deviance is a part; (d) deviance is the generic or
global term and crime is absorbed in deviance; and (e) crime and deviance
overlap at some but not all points.
Parameters of Deviance (Bernard Cohen): These include: (a) violation of a norm;
(b) elicitation of a negative response; (c) visibility; (d) seriousness; (e) frequency;
and (f) degree of disclosure.
Progressive Stages of Deviance; experimental, primary and secondary deviance
(Edwin Lemert): The experimental stage of deviance is characterized by a
superficial engagement in deviant behavior. During primary deviance, the deviant
behavior which began on a sporadic basis steadily increases. During secondary
deviance the individual assumes the role, self-concept and lifestyle of a deviant.
Key distinctions between experimental, primary and secondary deviance are
discussed. Also, the sequence of interaction leading to secondary deviation is
examined.
2.
3.
4.
5.
BERNARD COHEN, QUEENS COLLEGE, CUNY
C.
STUDY AIDS
1.
Film: “Radical Sex Styles.” This film presents six scenarios of unusual sexual
adaptations. It provides the student with an opportunity to apply the various
definitions, models, and classifications of deviant behavior.
Small Group Project: (a) Apply the parameters of deviance, the concepts of
primary and secondary deviance, the eight-step sequence, the consensus model,
and the conflict model to: call girls, street prostitutes, and white collar offenders.
(b) Formulate new behaviors which are marginal and decide whether or not they
are deviant.
2.
IV. Theoretical Perspectives on Deviant Behavior
The determinants of deviant behavior are multiple and diverse. Although
recognizing the importance of biological and psychological determinants of deviance, the
focal point of discussion is on the sociological perspective. The strengths and
weaknesses of each perspective are explored.
A.
SELECTED ISSUES
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Cultural Determinism vs. Biological Determinants: An examination of the nature
vs. nurture question.
Absolute vs. Relativism: Which deviant behaviors may be perceived as absolute
and/or relative.
Grand Range Theory vs. Middle Range Theory: Selected perspective for specific
behaviors.
Functionalism: Is deviance functional? (Illustrations: Emile Durkheim, Robert
Merton, and Kingsley Davis.)
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B.
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES
1.
Labelling and the Medical Model
a. Labelling Perspective: Key concepts related to this theoretical perspective
include stigma, self-concept, self-fulfilling prophecy, rejection, role,
subculture, master status, subordinate status, and moral entrepreneur.
b. Medical Model: (1) The medical model of mental illness, advocated by
many psychiatrists and psychologists, views the individual as physically or
mentally ill and in need of early and accurate diagnosis followed by
prompt therapeutic intervention. (2) Opponents of the medical model
and the labelling of individuals as “mentally ill” include Thomas Scheff,
Edward Sagarin, R.D. Lang, and Thomas Szasz. (3) Thomas Scheff, for
example, has suggested that the concept of “residual deviance” be
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employed in the place of “mental illness.” He denotes nine propositions regarding the
labelling of these individuals. (4) Edward Sagarin has argued that the label of mental
illness is used to deprive individuals of their constitutional rights. He cites several abuses
which affect the “mentally ill” person. (5) The legal issue of insanity and the plea of
“innocent by reason of insanity” are discussed. Most states utilize two rules for the
insanity issue: (a) M’Naughten Rule: Did the person know the difference between right
and wrong? (b) Durham Rule: “irresistable impulse” and/or has a history of mental
illness. (6) Study Aids, Films: (a) “Harry” --a film dealing with a mildly retarded
individual who is being treated by behavior modification techniques for self-abusive
behaviors and reliance on restraints. (b) “Titticutt Follies” -- film depicts
institutionalized “treatment”of the mentally ill.
2.
Theory of Anomie (Robert K. Merton)
According to Merton, whose theory is grounded in the functionalist perspective,
deviance is a result of alienation. Because of an imbalance in the structure of
society, individuals are blocked from achieving the goals set by society. In
American society, for example, although there is the notion of equality, a
stratification system exists. Thus, individuals in the lower class who are unable to
gain access to the institutionalized means of achieving cultural goals may use
illegal means instead. This theory helps explain the determinants of deviance for
profit (e.g., prostitution and armed robbery) and drug abuse.
3.
Theory of Deviant Subcultures (Marvin Wolfgang; Albert K. Cohen)
According to this theory, social interaction with certain types of groups that engage
in forms of deviance may lead to adoption of, or an increase in, deviant behavior.
Deviance that may be determined by interaction within a subgroup include
prostitution, alcoholism, drug addiction, transvestism, and gang delinquency.
4.
Labelling Theory, continued (Howard Becker)
In addition to mental illness, this theory is also a useful theoretical perspective in
understanding sexual deviance and deviance for profit.
5.
Multiple-Problem Situation (Walter Reckless)
According to this position, the probability of deviance increases when an
individual experiences numerous problems (e.g., broken home, unemployment,
poor education, emotional disorders, etc.). Control theory is also discussed.
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6.
Culture-Conflict Approach (Thorsten Sellin)
This approach argues that when individuals immigrate from other countries, their
culture of origin may conflict with the American culture and result in deviant
behavior.
7.
Conflict Theory (Richard Quinney)
This theory, based on the conflict or Marxist, approach asserts that the capitalist
structure is to blame for American society’s ills. Quinney’s six propositions of his
theory, “the social reality of crime,” are discussed.
8.
Techniques of Neutralization: Theory of Delinquency (G. Sykes and D. Matza)
According to this theory, individuals become delinquent because they cross the
Thin line separating legitimate from illegitimate behavior. They neutralize or
rationalize their behavior in several ways including denial of responsibility, denial
of injury, denial of the victim, condemnation of those who condemn them, and
appeal to higher loyalties.
9.
Symbolic Interaction (Herbert Blumer)
a. Definition and major issues, e.g., conforming behavior and deviant behavior are
not absolutes but are consistently redefined; formal laws constitute
guidelines but only guidelines for the interactional processes; on-going
processes of negotiation between agents of social control.
b. Herbert Mead, Edwin Lemert, Herbert Blumer: Key Concepts.
c. Study Aids: Film and photographs on drug abuse. “Skezag”-- film about
drug addicts provides an opportunity to examine the various theoretical
perspectives on behavior.
10.
Feminist Theory (Kathleen Daly and Meda Chesney-Lind)
These theories explain deviance and agencies of control by focusing on
gender, sex roles and a patriarchal structure that permeates all aspects of the social
system.
11.
Deviance Control: Theory and Practice (James Wilson and Richard Herrnstein)
Severity, certainty, and celerity of punishment, time horizons, time discounting,
rational choice, operant conditioning, routine activities, and “cause-removal,” are
examined.
12.
Integrated Theory (Terence P. Thornberry)
An attempt to reengineer individual perspectives on deviant behavior into a
cohesive synchronized theory. Advantages and disadvantages of theoretical
integration are discussed.
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V.
How to Conduct Research on Deviant Behavior
A.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES: QUALITATIVE,
QUANTITATIVE, AND ETHNOMETRICS
Emphasis is on qualitative methods of research including field study, selective
participant observation, and interviews; as well as the use of quantitative methods
such as official statistical data, statistical analysis, and sampling. The technique of
ethnometrics, which combines qualitative and quantitative methods, is illustrated.
A major feature of this course is its cross-cultural and global perspective.
Current research will be presented on how police deal with quality-of-life
offenses in a variety of cultures, including the Bronx, N.Y., the Alverado-Lake
area in Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Germany and Hong Kong, China.
B.
Ethical Issues
A presentation of the ethical issues which arise in conducting research are explored
including whether physical, psychological, social, or any other form of harm may
come to human subjects as a result of the study; “whether the researcher’s identity”
should be disclosed to the subjects; “and whether human subjects” should be given
information regarding “the nature of the research.” The concept of “informed
consent” is analyzed.
Selected Readings
(Note: Readings must be completed when the subject is presented in class.)
Textbook: Sociology of Deviant Behavior (13th ed.), Marshall Clinard andRobert
Meier, US: Thompson/Wadsworth, 2008, and /or selections from:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Asylums: Essays on the Social Situation of Mental Patients. Erving Goffman,
Garden City, NY: Anchor Books, 1961. Pp.171-321 on the medical model.
Crime and Human Nature. James Q. Wilson and Richard Herrnstein, N.Y: Simon
& Schuster, Inc., 1985. Chapters 1 and 2 on theory and chapter 15 on altering
behavior.
The Outsiders, Howard Becker, NY: The Free Press, 1963. Chapters 1 and 2 on
definitions of deviance, and chapter 8 on theoretical perspectives.
Theories of Deviance. 4th ed. Stuart H. Traub and Craig B. Little (eds.), Itasca, IL:
Peacock, 1994. Select one theory of deviance from each of the six sections on
theoretical perspectives.
“Towards an Interactional Theory of Delinquency.” Terence P. Thornberry,
Criminology, 25:863-891 on integrated theory.
Requirements:
examinations.
The requirements for this course include several multiple-choice type