Introductory Sociology: Deviance and Crime - Deviance Social Control Stigma Goffman Sanctions Positive Negative Formal Informal

What It Is

Deviance refers to behavior that violates social norms, rules, or expectations. For example, a student who cheats on an exam is deviant because it goes against the academic norms of honesty. Sociologists care about deviance because it helps us understand how societies maintain order and control, and how individuals are affected by these social controls.

Must-Know Facts

• Deviance is a relative concept, meaning what is considered deviant can vary across cultures and historical periods. (Example: In some cultures, tattoos are considered deviant, while in others they are a symbol of identity.)
• Social control refers to the mechanisms used to regulate and enforce social norms. (Example: Laws and police enforcement are forms of social control.)
• Stigma is a negative label or social disapproval attached to deviant individuals or groups. (Example: People with mental illnesses often face stigma and social exclusion.)
• Erving Goffman (1922-1982) argued that stigma is a master status that defines an individual's identity and social position. (Example: Goffman's study of mental hospitals showed how patients were stigmatized and dehumanized.)
• Positive sanctions are rewards or incentives for conforming to social norms. (Example: A student who earns good grades may receive a scholarship or praise from their parents.)
• Negative sanctions are punishments or penalties for deviant behavior. (Example: A person who is caught speeding may receive a fine or lose their driver's license.)
• Formal sanctions are official punishments or penalties, such as fines or imprisonment. (Example: A person who commits a crime may be sentenced to prison.)
• Informal sanctions are unofficial punishments or penalties, such as social exclusion or gossip. (Example: A person who is caught cheating on their spouse may be ostracized by their friends and family.)
• Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) argued that deviance is necessary for social change and progress. (Example: Durkheim's study of suicide rates showed how deviance can lead to social reform.)
• Robert Merton (1910-2003) developed the concept of anomie, which refers to a state of normlessness or social disorganization. (Example: Merton's study of delinquency showed how anomie can lead to deviant behavior.)
• Labeling theory suggests that deviance is not inherent in the behavior itself, but rather in the label or stigma attached to it. (Example: A person who is labeled as a "troublemaker" may be more likely to engage in deviant behavior.)
• Deviance can be functional or dysfunctional for society. (Example: Deviance can lead to social change and progress, but it can also lead to social disorder and chaos.)
• The concept of deviance is not limited to individual behavior, but can also refer to group or institutional deviance. (Example: A corporation that engages in corrupt practices can be considered deviant.)
• Deviance can be intentional or unintentional. (Example: A person who intentionally breaks the law is deviant, while a person who unintentionally breaks the law may not be.)
• The concept of deviance is not fixed, but can change over time and across cultures. (Example: What was considered deviant in the past may not be considered deviant today.)
• Deviance can be a source of social solidarity, as people come together to condemn or punish deviant behavior. (Example: A community may come together to condemn a person who has committed a crime.)
• Deviance can also be a source of social change, as deviant individuals or groups challenge existing social norms and institutions. (Example: The civil rights movement was a deviant movement that challenged existing social norms and institutions.)

Common Misunderstandings

Misunderstanding: Deviance is always bad or negative. Correction: Deviance can be functional or dysfunctional for society, and can lead to social change and progress.

Misunderstanding: Deviance is only individual behavior. Correction: Deviance can also refer to group or institutional deviance.

Misunderstanding: Deviance is always intentional. Correction: Deviance can be intentional or unintentional.

Misunderstanding: Deviance is a fixed concept. Correction: The concept of deviance is not fixed, but can change over time and across cultures.

Practice Questions

Question 1: What is the term for a negative label or social disapproval attached to deviant individuals or groups? A) Stigma B) Social control C) Deviance D) Anomie Answer: A) Stigma Why correct: Goffman's work on stigma highlights the importance of negative labels in shaping social identity.

Question 2: What is the term for rewards or incentives for conforming to social norms? A) Positive sanctions B) Negative sanctions C) Formal sanctions D) Informal sanctions Answer: A) Positive sanctions Why correct: Positive sanctions can motivate individuals to conform to social norms.

Question 3: Who argued that deviance is necessary for social change and progress? A) Emile Durkheim B) Robert Merton C) Erving Goffman D) Max Weber Answer: A) Emile Durkheim Why correct: Durkheim's work on deviance highlights its potential for social change and progress.

Question 4: What is the term for a state of normlessness or social disorganization? A) Anomie B) Deviance C) Social control D) Stigma Answer: A) Anomie Why correct: Merton's concept of anomie highlights the importance of social norms in shaping behavior.

Question 5: What is the term for unofficial punishments or penalties, such as social exclusion or gossip? A) Formal sanctions B) Informal sanctions C) Positive sanctions D) Negative sanctions Answer: B) Informal sanctions Why correct: Informal sanctions can be just as effective as formal sanctions in shaping behavior.

Quick Revision

• Deviance is a relative concept that varies across cultures and historical periods.
• Social control refers to the mechanisms used to regulate and enforce social norms.
• Stigma is a negative label or social disapproval attached to deviant individuals or groups.
• Erving Goffman argued that stigma is a master status that defines an individual's identity and social position.
• Positive sanctions are rewards or incentives for conforming to social norms.
• Negative sanctions are punishments or penalties for deviant behavior.
• Formal sanctions are official punishments or penalties, such as fines or imprisonment.
• Informal sanctions are unofficial punishments or penalties, such as social exclusion or gossip.
• Emile Durkheim argued that deviance is necessary for social change and progress.
• Robert Merton developed the concept of anomie, which refers to a state of normlessness or social disorganization.
• Labeling theory suggests that deviance is not inherent in the behavior itself, but rather in the label or stigma attached to it.
• Deviance can be functional or dysfunctional for society.
• The concept of deviance is not limited to individual behavior, but can also refer to group or institutional deviance.
• Deviance can be intentional or unintentional.
• The concept of deviance is not fixed, but can change over time and across cultures.
• Deviance can be a source of social solidarity, as people come together to condemn or punish deviant behavior.
• Deviance can also be a source of social change, as deviant individuals or groups challenge existing social norms and institutions.