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HomeHomework HelpsociologyTheories of Deviance

Theories of Deviance

Theories of deviance in sociology explore why individuals engage in behaviors that violate societal norms. Key frameworks include structural functionalism, which emphasizes the functions of deviance in defining cultural values and moral boundaries, and symbolic interactionism, which focuses on the meanings individuals ascribe to their actions. Understanding these theories is significant as it helps students analyze the complex relationship between societal expectations and individual behaviors.

intermediate
3 hours
Sociology
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Overview

Theories of deviance provide a framework for understanding why individuals engage in behaviors that violate societal norms. These theories, including Social Control, Labeling, Strain, and Differential Association, highlight the complex interplay between individual choices and societal influences. By...

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Key Terms

Deviance
Behavior that violates societal norms.

Example: Stealing is considered deviant in most societies.

Social Control
Mechanisms that regulate individual behavior.

Example: Laws and social norms act as forms of social control.

Labeling
The process of defining someone as deviant.

Example: A person labeled as a 'criminal' may face stigma.

Strain
Pressure individuals feel when they cannot achieve societal goals.

Example: Economic hardship can create strain leading to crime.

Peer Influence
The impact of friends and social groups on behavior.

Example: Teens may engage in risky behavior to fit in.

Stigma
A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance.

Example: Mental illness often carries a stigma.

Related Topics

Criminology
The study of crime, its causes, and its effects on society.
advanced
Social Psychology
The study of how individuals influence and are influenced by others.
intermediate
Cultural Sociology
Explores how culture influences social behavior and norms.
intermediate

Key Concepts

Social Control TheoryLabeling TheoryStrain TheoryDifferential Association Theory