Positive Functions of Deviance

Positive functions of Deviance

1. Reinforces an individuals commitment to shared norms/values

2. Individuals crime/deviance is stigmatized by outside group which becomes an example of what not to do in society.

3. Social, cultural, and politcal change begins with acts of deviance

Ex: Black Lives Matter Movement

4. Because crime is found in all healthy societies, it must serve some positive function. If it didn't, it would just disappear as society evolves.

Cohen's Functional views on Deviance

1. A safety Valve: Deviance provides a harmless expression of discontent

Ex: Protest is non-violent but deviant

2. Certain deviant acts help identify a malfunctioning part of society that needs fixing

ex: Many truancies may be a fault of the school

Gan's Function of Deviance

Deviance and Crime helps create jobs

Ex: Police, Prison guards, criminology, professors, judges, attorneys