Theories of Deviance
Theories of Deviance
Non-Sociological Theories of Deviance
Religious Approach: Explains deviance through possession by demons, evil spirits, or the devil.
Biological Approach: Involves evolutionary arguments (Cesare Lombroso) suggesting that biological factors like hormonal differences and chemical imbalances predispose individuals to deviance.
Psychological Approach: Focuses on abnormalities in development and personality, drawing from Freud's psychoanalytic theory.
Sociological Theories of Deviance
Durkheim’s Four Functions of Deviance (Anomie)
Structural Strain Theory (theory of Anomie)
Social Control Theory
Labelling Theory
Cultural Transmission Theory (Differential Association)
Durkheim's Four Functions of Deviance
Emile Durkheim: Positioned human behavior as inherently social, rejecting biological and psychological explanations of suicide. He identified three key suicide types:
Egoistic: Excessive individualism, lack of social connection.
Altruistic: Over integration into groups, placing the group's needs above the individual's.
Anomic: Occurs when social norms lose regulatory force, particularly during rapid social change.
Key Concepts Introduced by Durkheim
Egoism: Normative trend prioritizing individual desires, leading to deviant behaviors. Norms that promote excessive aspirations increase deviance.
Anomie: A state of normlessness where traditional norms are undermined but not replaced, resulting in a lack of clear behavior guidelines. It suggests that deviance is an inevitable aspect of modern society.
Functions of Deviance According to Durkheim
Affirming Cultural Norms and Values: Boundaries between acceptable (conformity) and unacceptable (deviance) behaviors are established, sustaining morality.
Clarification of Moral Boundaries: Social responses to deviance help define right from wrong, promoting community norms.
Social Solidarity: Deviance reinforces community values, promoting unity among conformists.
Generating Social Change: Deviance challenges the status quo, suggesting new paths for behavior and thought.
Evaluation of Durkheim's Theory
Criticism arises from a lack of focus on the victim's perspective and the costly impact of deviance and crime.
Cultural Transmission Theory
Based on Edwin Sutherland's Differential Association Theory: This theory posits that deviant behavior is learned through interaction with others. Key variables include:
Age of Learner: Young individuals are more impressionable.
Intensity: Degree of contact with deviant "teachers".
Ratio: Proportion of good vs. bad influences.
Evaluation of Cultural Transmission Theory
While useful, it fails to account for the fact that not all exposed to deviant influences become deviant. Explains learning via socialization using examples like Macquarie Fields.
Structural Strain Theory
Developed by Robert Merton, it builds on Durkheim's Anomie theory. It reflects social strains stemming from societal structures leading to varying responses to culturally defined goals.
Conformist: Strives for socially accepted goals through accepted means.
Innovator: Seeks accepted goals through unaccepted means.
Ritualist: Follows accepted means but abandons societal goals.
Retreatist: Rejects both accepted goals and means.
Rebel: Challenges societal norms and creates new ones.
Evaluation of Structural Strain Theory
It inadequately explains why individuals with means sometimes do not conform, as seen in white-collar crimes, yet effectively relates crime to lower socioeconomic groups.
Labelling Theory
Promoted by Howard Becker (1963), it states that deviance results from societal labels. Key aspects include:
Primary Deviance: Initial nonconformity that may be temporary or hidden.
Secondary Deviance: An ongoing behavior that emerges after being labelled deviant.
Degradation Ceremony
A social event designed to change an individual's identity or status negatively, often resulting in exclusion from a group.
Evaluation of Labelling Theory
Limitation in explaining the origination of deviance before labels are applied. Individuals may react to labels variably, with the potential for self-labeling or rejection.
Social Control Theory
Advanced by Travis Hirschi, this theory considers why most individuals do not commit deviant acts. It emphasizes the importance of social bonds:
Attachment: Emotional ties to others.
Commitment: Investments in societal goals (education, career).
Involvement: Engagement in socially acceptable activities reduces opportunities for deviance.
Belief: Strong moral principles or faith can deter deviant behavior.
Evaluation of Social Control Theory
It suggests that deviance arises from weak social bonds yet struggles to explain persistent deviance despite strong social ties. The justice system can also weaken social bonds, as observed in prisons.
Additional Contextual Applications
Postcode Wars, street gangs, and organized crime in Western Sydney can be analyzed through these deviance theories for insights into youth crimes.
Lockdown in specific communities could provide examples of deviance explanation through social factors outlined in these theories.