Theoretical Perspective: “Functionalism”
Who and When: Robert Merton (1968)
Strain Theory Definition: deviance is more likely to occur
when a gap exists between—
cultural goals (American Dream)
AND
the ability to achieve them
Four Components:
Innovation: person accepts cultural goals
but uses illegal methods to
achieve them
Ritualism: person rejects cultural goals
but uses legitimate methods
Four Components:
Retreatism: person rejects cultural goals
and legitimate methods
Rebellion: person rejects cultural goals
and legitimate methods;
creates new goals & methods
Strain Theory You Tube Clip 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuzYGzXJJcw
Theoretical Perspective: “Functionalism”
Who and When: Travis Hirschi (1972)
Control Theory Definition: compliance to social norms
require strong bonds between
individuals and society
Example
Children adhere to their parents requests
and rules because they respect and love them
Four Components of Social Bonds:
Attachment: the stronger the relationship
the more likely you will conform
Involvement: the more participation in socially
approved activities the more
likely you will conform to society
Four Components of Social Bonds:
Belief: believing in societies norms and values results
in conformity to society
Commitment: the more committed you are to
societies goals the more you
will conform to society
Control Theory You Tube Clip 
(play from start to 2:10)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ziDCUvThck
Theoretical Perspective: “Symbolic Interactionism”
Who and When: Edwin Sutherland(1939)
Theory Definition: we learn deviance through the
number deviant acts we are exposed
to in our life
“I learned it from watching You” Video Clip  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Elr5K2Vuo
Example
- Son grows up watching Mom get beat up by Dad
- Son gets married, abuses his wife
Three Characteristics:
1. The Ratio of Deviant people to Non-Deviant
people observed during ones life
2. Occurrence of Deviant behavior by ones
significant others during ones life
3. The age to which one was exposed to deviant
behavior
Differential Association Theory
You Tube Clip  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bres-1Wq7j8
Theoretical Perspective: “Symbolic Interactionism”
Who and When: Howard Becker (1963)
Labeling Theory Definition: Society creates deviance by
identifying (through labels)
people who are deviant
Example
Based on a given label a deviant gets a:
Stigma: status attached to a person by members of
society based on disapproval of their deviant act
Results:
• Negative effects on the
person that is labeled
• Could lead to more deviant
acts by person labeled
• Perpetuates deviant acts
Affects:
• Self-esteem
• Self-image
• Self-concept
The Components:
Primary Deviance: committing deviant acts
are limited and not a person’s norm
Example caught once drinking and driving
Secondary Deviance: committing deviant acts are
a persons way of life and a norm
Example drink and drive all the time
Labeling Theory You Tube Clip  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJr1mr8oYMA
Theoretical Perspective: “Conflict”
Who and When: Steven Spitzer(1980)
Theory Explanation: Industrialized societies protect
themselves against deviants
Example
According to Spitzer’s Theory
Deviants are:
1. those who criticize industrial society and
challenge societal norms
2. those who do not work (have jobs)
3. those who threaten private property
4. those who petition and protest against
authority are deviants.