Mechanisms of deviance
- Anomie Theory (Emile Durkheim)
- Deviance arises due to breakdown of social norms during rapid change.
- People become unsure about what is right or wrong, leading to deviant behavior.
- Normlessness (anomie) creates confusion, increasing the chances of norm violation.
- Deviance is a cultural creation, made possible by the existence of social norms.
- Conflict Theory (Karl Marx)
- Norms and deviance are defined by powerful/dominant groups to protect their interests.
- Dominant groups control laws, police, and courts to maintain wealth and power.
- Deviance in the working class (e.g., theft, violence) is often a response to inequality or survival needs.
- Social injustice leads to deviant acts like murder, suicide, alcoholism, and mental illness.
- Labeling Theory
- Deviance is created through social labeling by powerful groups (teachers, police, counselors, etc.).
- Primary deviance: rule-breaking without being labeled as deviant.
- Secondary deviance: occurs when the person is labeled, treated as deviant, and begins to see themselves as deviant.
- Emphasizes social reaction and stigma as key in shaping deviant identity.
- Social Control Theory
- Focuses on how societal reactions aim to prevent or correct deviance.
- Informal control: family, friends, and peer pressure in small groups.
- Formal control: legal institutions like police, judiciary, and laws.
- Social control mechanisms are essential for maintaining conformity in society.
- Cultural Transmission Theory
- Deviance is learned through cultural interaction and conflicting values.
- Cultural norms differ across groups, leading to conflict and deviant behavior.
- Example: Parents teach obedience, while political culture may teach resistance.
- Deviance results from exposure to deviant subcultures and differing moral standards.