Deviance and Social Control

Deviance and Social Control

Norms Norms are an important part of culture. They help us decide what behaviors are proper and improper in various settings.  You may be following them without even realizing it. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgso3 Y-l0h8  http://improveverywhere.com/2006/08/1 9/slo-mo-home-depot/ 

Deviance  

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Deviance- refers to behavior that departs from societal or group norms. Example

Who do you think decides who and what is deviant? What is defined as deviant is agreed upon by consensus. The reaction the comes from the deviant act is key.

What is Deviance? 

Specific form of deviance: 

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Wearing heavy make-up- considered deviant   

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Criminal behavior- recognized by almost all members of society as deviant. Crime – the violation of rules that have been written into law.

by some religious groups. Eating a snickers with your fork? http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=IlzliGfdpp M&feature=endscreen

Deviance is not always clear cut such as robbery or assault. Ex. Mike Tyson 

“what is deviant” varies from society to society and group to group. Often difficult to agree if in society such as the U.S.

Positive & Negative 

Negative deviance: involves behavior that fails to meet accepted norms. 

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Either reject, misinterpret, or are unaware of the norms.

Positive deviance: involves behavior that overconforms to social expectations. 

Example: Rosa Parks

Social Control 

Social Control: ways to promote conformity to society’s norms. 

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Society would be uncontrollable and unpredictable without social control. Ex. Stopping at red lights and receiving the correct amount of change.

2 types Social Control 

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Internal: lies within the individual  Developed during the socialization process.  You do something because you know it’s the right thing to do or don’t do something because it is the wrong thing to do.  Ex: Stealing External: is based on social sanctions- rewards or punishments that encourage conformity to social norms.  Positive : awards or promotions  Negative: criticism, fines, or imprisonment. Sanctions can also be formal or informal.