Chapter 9 Deviance and Social Control: : Chapter 9 Deviance and Social Control: PROF. RONNIE E. PASIGUI SocSc 01
Introduction : Introduction Deviance- the violation of social norms
Stigma- the disapproval attached to disobeying the expected norms
Crime- the forms of deviance in which formal penalties are imposed by the society
We are all deviant at some time or another and in some places
What is deviance? : What is deviance? Deviance is a violation of ever-changing social norms
Deviance is culturally dependent and historically located, exists always in juxtaposition with some “normality”
Deviance is socially constructed even though some of it might be characterized as an immoral absolute
Deviance is overlooked in some situations
Who/what is defined as deviant? : Who/what is defined as deviant? Both acts and individuals (and even entire groups) can be defined as deviant: “Condemn the sin, love the sinner,” “aliens”, “misfits”. etc.
Low status persons (e.g. ethnic minorities, poor people) are more likely to be perceived as deviant, their good behavior “explained away”
Higher status persons (e.g. priests, doctors) are less likely to be defined as deviant, their bad behavior “explained away”
Structural-functionalist viewpoint : Structural-functionalist viewpoint Deviance serves vital functions for society
Sets examples of unacceptable behavior
Provides guidelines for (opposite) behavior that is necessary to maintain social order
Bonds people together through their common rejection of deviant behavior
Provides jobs for those who deal with deviants
Can signal problems in a society that need addressed (stimulate positive change)
Opens societies to new and creative paths of thinking
Misconceptions about deviance : Misconceptions about deviance Some acts are inherently deviant
Those who deviate are socially identified and recognized
Deviants purposely and knowingly break the law
Deviance occurs because there is a dishonest, selfish element to human nature
Micro-level explanations of deviance : Micro-level explanations of deviance Social control theory - our bonds with society encourage us to conform; with fewer bonds, we are more likely to be deviant
Rational choice theory - the decision to be deviant depends upon a cost/benefit analysis of sanctions
Slide 8 : Differential association theory - conformity or deviance is learned from those we spend time with
Labeling theory - behavior is not intrinsically deviant, but becomes deviant because it is labeled as such
Members of a society define (label) what is deviant and impose sanctions for that behavior
Individuals who engage in primary deviance are not labeled, but those who engage in secondary deviance are
Labeling theory, con’t. : Labeling theory, con’t. Being labeled can reinforce deviant behavior by:
Increasing alienation
Forcing increased interaction with deviant peers
Motivating juvenile delinquents to positively value and identify with the deviant status
Deviance becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy
Those with less power in society are more likely to be labeled as deviants
Meso and macro-level explanations of deviance : Meso and macro-level explanations of deviance Structural-functionalist theories
Anomie - the breakdown of the norms guiding behavior leads to social disorganization
Strain theory - those with fewer resources are less able to achieve societally shared goals and may resort to deviant behaviors to achieve their desired goals
Merton’s ways of adapting to strain : Merton’s ways of adapting to strain Conformity - embracing the society's definition of success and adhering to the established and approved means of achieving success
Innovation - use of illicit means to reach approved goals
Ritualism - strict adherence to culturally‑ prescribed rules, even though individuals give up on the goals they hoped to achieve
Retreatism - giving up on both the goals and the means
Rebellion - rejecting the socially approved ideas of "success" and the means of attaining that success, but replaces those with alternative definitions of success and alternative strategies for attaining the new goals
Slide 12 :
Slide 13 : Conflict theory - deviance is a result of social inequality
Elites want to maintain control, so they define what is deviant to benefit themselves and deflect attention from their own behaviors
The greater the power differentials and inequalities, especially class, the greater the conflict in a society
Conflict is inevitable under the current capitalist power arrangement
Slide 14 : Feminist theory - abuses suffered by women are rooted in the patriarchal, capitalist system
The causes include the gendered division of labor, the separation of spheres, and the socialization of children
Cultural attitudes toward crime against women differ based on the status of women in that society
Women are less often in a position to commit crimes and often commit crimes that are different from men’s
Crime and individuals: macro-level analysis : Crime and individuals: macro-level analysis Laws reflect the current opinion of what is right or wrong
Consensus crimes - members of a society are in general agreement about the serious of the deviant act
Conflict crimes - one group passes a law over which there is disagreement or which disadvantages another group
Types of crime : Types of crime Predatory or street crime
Victimless or public order crimes
Hate crimes
Organized crime
Occupational or white collar crime
State organized crimes
Global crimes
Types of white-collar crimes : Types of white-collar crimes Crimes against the company
Crimes against employees (e.g., the neglect of worker safety)
Crimes against customers
Crimes against the public
White-collar crimes are less publicized, but ultimately more costly and more deadly than violent predatory crimes
Ways of measuring crime : Ways of measuring crime Uniform crime reports
Self-reported surveys
Victimization surveys
Triangulation is best!
World systems perspective : World systems perspective The cause of deviance lies in the global economy, inequalities between countries, and competition between countries for resources and wealth
Capitalism has caused inequality to rise between core and periphery nations
Periphery nations may resort to unconventional means to meet their goals
Dealing with crime : Dealing with crime Structural-functionalist- the justice system is important for maintaining order in society
Conflict- the criminal justice system presents crime as a threat from poor people and minorities and disproportionately arrests and sentences them
Prisons and jails : Prisons and jails Total institution- completely controls the prisoners’ lives and regulates all of their activities
Degradation- mark the inmate as deviant
Mortification-break down the individual’s original self as the inmate experiences resocialization
Incarceration rates have increased
“Get tough on crime”
“War on drugs”
Preventative policies
The functions of prisons : The functions of prisons Revenge or retribution
Removing dangerous individuals from society
Deterrence
Despite these, nearly 75% of male prisoners will re-offend (high recidivism)
Alternatives to prison : Alternatives to prison Social capital - rebuild social networks, shared norms, values, and understanding that facilitate cooperation within or among groups and access to important resources
Shock probation - releasing a first time offender early in the hope that the shock of prison life would deter them
Day treatment or half-way houses
Restitution - The offender renders money or service to the victim or community under supervised parole to compensate the victim