Deviance and Sociological Theories (Lecture Notes)

A vocabulary set covering key deviance concepts, major sociological theories, labeling, stigma, and criminal justice dynamics discussed in the lecture.

Deviance

Departure from a socially accepted norm, plus the negative social reaction that follows.

Norm

A standard of behavior that is typical or expected in a group or society.

Structural Functionalism (Functionalism)

A macro theory viewing society as a system of interrelated parts; deviance serves functions like clarifying norms and promoting social unity and change.

Structural Strain Theory (Merton)

Deviance arises when culturally prescribed goals cannot be reached through legitimate means, creating strain.

Conformity

Acceptance of both culturally approved goals and legitimate means.

Innovation

Pursuit of culturally approved goals through unconventional or illegitimate means.

Ritualism

Adherence to rules and means while abandoning the goal of success.

Retreatism

Rejection of both cultural goals and legitimate means.

Rebellion

Rejecting and replacing existing goals and means with new ones.

Conflict Theory

Powerful groups define norms and laws; laws reflect their interests and punish marginalized groups disproportionately.

Differential Association

Deviance is learned through interaction with deviant peers.

Labeling Theory

Deviance results from the application of labels by society; labels can shape self-concept and future behavior.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

A prediction that becomes true because people act on it.

Thomas Theorem

If people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.

Stigma

A socially devalued attribute that leads to exclusion and discrimination.

Physical Stigma

Stigma based on visible physical traits or disabilities.

Moral Stigma

Stigma based on perceived moral flaws or character.

Tribal Stigma

Stigma based on membership in a discredited or stigmatized group.

Passing

The act of a stigmatized individual blending into the mainstream to avoid stigma.

In-Group Orientation (Reorientation)

Rejecting prejudice and forming a positive identity with a distinct in-group rather than blending in.

Symbolic Interactionism

A micro-level theory focusing on how meanings are created through social interactions, including labeling and stigma.

Codified Deviance / Crime

Deviance that has been formalized into law or a criminal statute.

Public Intoxication

The offense of being intoxicated in public or in public spaces.

Deterrence

Punishment aimed at preventing crime by discouraging future offenses.

Retribution

Punishment intended to repay society for a wrongdoing.

Incapacitation

Removing or isolating an offender from society to prevent further crime.

Pipeline to Prison (Road to Prison)

A sequence of justice-system stages where marginalized groups face increasingly higher chances of incarceration.

Crack vs Powder Cocaine Disparity

Disparate sentencing where crack cocaine (historically linked to poorer, Black communities) receives harsher penalties than powder cocaine.