Explaining Deviance

1
Explaining Deviance

• Theories

2
Structural-Strain Theory

• Highly valued goals vs. legitimate means
• Anomie norms unclear or dont apply
• Respond in following ways
• Conformity
• Innovation
• Ritualism
• Retreatism
• Rebellion

3
Conflict

• Competition social inequality
• Power vs. no power
• Ruling class label threats as deviance
• Define deviance as problem
• Law enforcement
• Higher rates of arrest conviction
• Types detected punished

4
Control Theory

• Deviance is natural
• Why conform?
• Social ties
• Conform to fit in
• Members exert control

5
Cultural Transmission

• Learned through interaction
• Differential association
• Time
• Primary groups
• Techniques of neutralization
• Deny responsibility
• Deny injury
• Deny victim
• Condemn authorities
• Claim higher loyalty

6
Labeling Theory

• Identify people as deviant
• All people deviant
• Primary Deviance
• Undetected, occasional, or well concealed
• Secondary Deviance
• Accept deviant label
• Master status
• Restricts options