Social Deviance

social deviance

behaviour that violates the standards or expectations of a particular group or society.

How does social deviance vary between societies?

An act that is considered deviant in one society may be seen as normal or acceptable in another, depending on cultural values and social norms

how does social deviance differ between Western society and the Sioux (Native American)?

In Western society, accumulating wealth and property is often seen as a goal

in Sioux culture, sharing wealth and being generous is highly valued, accumulating wealth would be considered deviant

How does location affect standards of deviance?

the same behavior can be seen as acceptable or deviant based on context

ex. talking loudly at a party (normal) vs. talking loudly in a religious institution (deviant)

How does age influence what's considered deviant?

ex. young children crying loudly in a mall (acceptable), but it would be deviant for an adult to do the same

How does social status affect deviance?

Social status can lead to different treatments for the same behaviour

ex. a famous person skipping a line at a club might be accepted, but a non-famous person would likely be seen as deviant if they tried the same.

How do individual societies define deviant behavior?

ex. in some societies, being overweight might be considered deviant because thinness is often idealized and seen as beautiful.

social control theory

the idea that society uses various mechanisms to promote conformity to social norms and prevent deviant behavior

Labelling Theory

attempts to explain why certain individuals are viewed as deviants, while others engaging in similar behaviors are not seen as harshly

questions whether labelling someone as deviant makes it harder for them to change their behaviour.

Does labelling someone as a deviant make it harder for them to change their behavior?

person is likely internalize it because they are isolated and excluded from society

the label may limit opportunities and alter how the person is treated by society, forcing them to find belonging with a deviant group

Differential Association Theory

suggests that an individual’s behaviour is influenced and shaped by the people they associate with

Cultural Theories

propose that people perceive danger and respond to risk differently because of the cultural environment or the way they were raised

different perceptions can lead to the development of social structures that will address the danger

Deterrence

approach to punishment that uses the threat of harsh penalties to discourage people from committing crimes

Formal Sanctions

rewards or punishments by individuals or institutions who have been given special authority

ex. law enforcement or government officials.

Informal Sanctions

rewards or punishments applied by most members of a group, such as peers, family members, or community members, to encourage or discourage certain behaviours

Political Civil Liberties

Freedom to express, vote, and believe

You have the right to share your opinions, support political causes, and participate in democracy

Legal Civil Liberties

Fair treatment under the law

Everyone deserves justice, a fair trial, and protection from discrimination or abuse of power

Egalitarian Civil Liberties

rights related to equality

protection that everyone should be treated fairly, regardless of race, gender, religion, etc.

Economic Civil Liberties

the right to earn money, start and run a business, participate in market competition, and profit from transactions

Bill C-36

criminalizes the purchase of sexual services and profiting from the sexual exploitation of others while protecting individuals who sell sexual services

offering them support services, such as exit programs and resources to leave the industry

Why was Bill C-36 introduced?

reduce prostitution in Canada

How does Bill C-36 connect to Social Deviance?

Prostitution is considered deviant behaviour

Bill C-36 aims to reduce this by criminalizing the buying and profiting from sexual services

How does Bill C-36 connect to Social Deterrence?

By criminalizing the purchase of sexual services, Bill C-36 aims to deter individuals from engaging in prostitution-related activities