The Sociology of Deviance and Stigma
The sociology of deviation describes patterns of violation of norms. For instance, religious norms give rise to heretics, while legal norms produce criminals and the sick. Cultural norms explain the eccentricity of certain individuals. Norms emerge in almost every social situation, including friendship and class. However, some types of deviance are esoteric and difficult to define. Here are some examples:
Conflict theory
Using a conflict theory in the sociology of deviation, we can understand the ways in which the criminal justice system discriminates against poor people. Because they do not have the resources to change the system, they are punished by a system that perpetuates injustices, even crimes against the poor. The system’s workings are dictated by the power relations between the bourgeoisie and the working class, which critics point out is counter-productive.
The theory is founded on two different views of the causes and consequences of deviations. The first, from Marx, proposes that individual differences in behavior result in different levels of social class. However, the conflict theory fails to explain why crime is prevalent in communist societies. Marx’s view on social class structure focuses on individual differences in economic power, while Ward focuses on how society’s economic base affects social relations.
A conflict theory emphasizes social inequality and critiques the socio-political system. Deviant behavior, on the other hand, is behavior that goes against the grain of social institutions. While Marx did not specifically discuss deviant behavior, he did discuss the alienation that exists between the proletariat and the finished product. This alienation, in turn, fuels deviant behaviors. However, Foucault believed that torture had been phased out of modern society because of the dispersed power between the wealthy and the proletariat.
Radical and conflict theorists both delve into the causes of deviance. Using conflict theory to analyze the sources of conflict has many benefits, but the most significant is its ability to change society. It is a way to make society more equitable, but not without challenging the current structures. That way, society can change and make its members more happy. This theory has helped many people find work in their field.
Merton’s typology
Merton’s typology of sociology refers to the various ways in which an individual at the bottom of society responds to this strain. These responses combine with varying orientations towards society’s goals to form different categories of deviance. A conformist, for example, follows the rules of society by going to school to further his or her career. Such an individual is following societal values, such as success, which are highly valued in American culture.
Anomie is a key concept in Merton’s theory. It is a social phenomenon resulting from a lack of economic success. While many people in the U.S. strive to achieve financial success, they fail to achieve their goal through conventional means. They use deviance to deal with this frustration. However, these adaptations depend on the individual’s acceptance of the goal of economic success, as well as the means by which to achieve it.
In Merton’s theory, deviance is often associated with individual deviance and not group deviance. He does not explain the role of gangs, but instead argues that people who are deviant tend to socialise with each other. Although his typology of deviance is highly regarded, it is also incomplete. Some people feel they do not have what it takes to succeed by conforming to society. They must resort to illegitimate means such as committing acquisitive crimes.
Merton’s sociology of deviance combines social strain theory and the work of American sociologists. It shows that individuals are deviant if they refuse to accept social norms or use deviant means to achieve their goals. The concept of wealth is a social value in the U.S. and individuals may reject this notion or aspire to a wealthy lifestyle. Alternatively, they may choose to become pickpockets.
Erikson’s theories
One of the easiest to understand of the various sociology of deviation studies is Erikson’s. However, it is important to understand the various theoretical arguments that go into the Sociology of Deviance. Specifically, Erikson addressed the questions of individual risk and group rates. In addition, Erikson also argued that deviance is a necessary component of society, as it serves as a model for the entire community.
As a result of his theory, deviants often end up in institutions that provide adequate living conditions. This is especially true for adolescents, who tend to be extremely ideal and see everything in black-and-white terms. In other words, advocates of ego identity tend to promote their beliefs without regard to the rights of others. Unfortunately, this behavior has negative consequences for society. In response to this, Erikson argues that these types of institutions might be encouraging deviant behavior.
Other sociologists, such as George Herbert Mead, extended Erikson’s theory of labeling by examining deviance in terms of its functions. This helped him understand how deviants are separated from the rest of society. He also demonstrated how stigmatization can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The sociology of deviation has a number of applications in today’s society.
The psychosocial development of individuals begins at birth and continues until they are 18 months old. The principal task of infants is to develop the capacity for trust and avoid mistrust. In contrast, an apathetic caregiver causes fear and anxiety in the infant. In contrast, a responsive caregiver fosters hope. During these critical early years, the infant relies on their caregiver for care and comfort. In contrast, an apathetic caregiver causes fear and anxiety, while an overly demanding mother demonstrates apathy.
Durkheim’s theories
One of the major problems in society is the growing degree of social anomie. This is often attributed to a lack of regulation of social functions, which weakens community connections and collective consciousness. Anomie is also a sign of weakened moral convictions and social controls. This social condition is also marked by rising rates of crime and suicide. Durkheim argued that there are external forces that can keep desires under control. His theories of anomie suggest that social disintegration leads to an increased risk of suicide, crime, and other pathological conditions.
The concept of deviance has multiple applications. For example, according to Durkheim, a society of saints would be characterized by high moral standards and strict adherence to the law. As a result, minor slips in behavior or impoliteness would be seen as a serious offense. But a society of saints would also be more likely to embrace new social rules and change, as deviance can often point to problems in the system or inadequacies in current law. In other words, social groups may break the law in order to draw attention to injustice or to change social norms.
Ultimately, if deviance is considered positive, it can have a beneficial effect on society. For example, historical figures such as Napoleon and Thomas Jefferson were regarded as deviants in their time, but today are celebrated for their commitment and sacrifice. However, as Herbert Gans pointed out, the idea of deviance also has another positive function. It creates jobs for those segments of society that deal with deviants. Without deviance, hundreds of thousands of otherwise law-abiding people would be out of work.
Stigma
The Sociology of Deviance and Stigma focuses on the way that people form their identities based on the behaviors of others. Stigmatizing stereotypes change the behavior of people once they are labeled. The work of Howard Becker helped to establish labeling theory, which argues that external judgments shape a person’s self-concept and change how other people react to them. For example, if a person is labeled as being a pervert or a criminal, he or she may be subjected to more severe punishments than a non-deviant.
As a result, the concepts of stigma and deviance are closely related. The difference between stigma and deviance is in the level of perceived depravity. Stigma can be associated with external factors and individual choices, or it can be a result of societal or religious discrimination. The stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS sufferers is a classic example of this, focusing on three levels: the assumed connection with homosexuals, the physical stigma and the moral stigma. Mental illness is frequently stigmatized because it is considered a character defect. However, biological causes of mental illness are often assigned to physical stigma.
In addition to the three types of deviance, this book also focuses on the social factors that cause individuals to engage in deviant behavior. The concept of stigma is important because it helps explain how people’s actions affect others. The main flaws of deviance and stigma can be attributed to the lack of a culturally acceptable norm. However, this book is structured well and is an excellent source for those interested in this topic.