“Theories of Deviance”

1. “Theories of Deviance”

2. Strain Theory 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

3. Strain Theory Innovation: person accepts cultural goals but uses illegal methods to achieve them Four Components: Ritualism: person rejects cultural goals but uses legitimate methods

4. Strain Theory 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

5. Control Theory 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 Weak Social Bonds = Deviant Behavior

6. Control Theory Attachment: the stronger the relationship the more likely you will conform Four Components of Social Bonds: Involvement: the more participation in socially approved activities the more likely you will conform to society

7. Control Theory Belief: believing in societies norms and values results in conformity to society Four Components of Social Bonds: Commitment: the more committed you are to societies goals the more you will conform to society

8. Differential Association Theory 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 Example - Son grows up watching Mom get beat up by Dad - Son gets married, becomes alcoholic and abuses his wife Observing More Deviant Acts = Increases Chance of Deviant Behavior

9. Differential Association Theory Three Characteristics: • The Ratio of Deviant people to Non-Deviant people observed during ones life • Occurrence of Deviant behavior by ones significant others during ones life • The age to which one was exposed to deviant behavior Observing More Deviant Acts = Increases Chance of Deviant Behavior

10. Labeling Theory 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

11. Labeling Theory 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

12. Labeling Theory The Results: Stigma/Label: status attached to someone as a result of a deviant act Example Alcoholic Drunk

13. Spitzer’s Theory Theoretical Perspective: “Conflict” Who and When: Steven Spitzer(1980) Theory Explanation: Industrialized societies protect themselves against deviants Example

14. Spitzer’s Theory • The beliefs of those who criticize industrial society challenge societal norms • Society needs a workforce and those who do not work are deviants. • Those who threaten private property are deviants. • Respect of authority is important and those who petition and protest against authority are deviants. • Certain competitive activities are encouraged as long as they fit into accepted norms (violent sports) The Components:

15. “THE END”