Module 09: Sociology Pt. 2.2

Theories on Deviance: Functionalism and Emile Durkheim

Introduction to Emile Durkheim

Welcome back to The Online Sociologist. I'm Ryan, and today we are examining deviance through the lens of a pivotal figure in sociology, Emile Durkheim. Born in France in 1858, Durkheim is often regarded as a founding father of sociology due to his groundbreaking contributions to understanding how societies function and maintain cohesion. His concepts surrounding social order, community, and morality have fundamentally shaped modern sociology and continue to influence contemporary interpretations of social structure.

Durkheim's Perspective on Society

Durkheim viewed society not as a mere aggregation of individuals but as a complex interconnected system, where each component plays a vital role in the maintenance of the whole. His unique perspective offered a surprisingly positive view of deviance, challenging conventional notions that categorize deviant behavior solely as problematic. Durkheim posited that deviance serves essential functions within a healthy society, compelling us to rethink the role of deviance from an entirely new perspective.

Functionalist Functions of Deviance

1. Clarifying Social Norms

One of the primary functions of deviance, as identified by Durkheim, is that it clarifies social norms. When individuals violate societal rules, it prompts reactions that reinforce societal expectations. For instance, in a college setting, a student using their phone during a lecture might cause disruption, leading the instructor and peers to remind everyone about the importance of respectful attention in class. Such reactions serve not only to redirect behavior but also to reaffirm the norm itself, delineating the boundaries of acceptable conduct within the community.

2. Encouraging Social Change

Deviance also has the potential to encourage social change. When individuals or groups challenge outdated or unjust social norms, they pave the way for progress. A prominent example is the Civil Rights Movement, initially viewed as deviant, which eventually led to significant changes in laws and social practices, fostering a more inclusive society. Similarly, in smaller contexts, like a college, students advocating for mental health services are pushing against the status quo, prompting shifts toward improved policies and norms.

3. Fostering Social Unity

Another significant function of deviance is that it can foster social unity. Communities often come together in response to deviant acts, reinforcing shared values. For example, condemnation of vandalism on campus can unite students and faculty in support of maintaining respectful shared spaces. This shared disapproval enhances community cohesion. A more extensive manifestation of this is observed when whole nations unite after tragic events, such as September 11 in the United States, where people from diverse backgrounds reinforced values of resilience and unity.

4. Addressing Anomie

Durkheim described anomie as a state of normlessness that occurs when the usual social rules and expectations break down, especially during significant upheavals. This can create feelings of disconnection and uncertainty regarding social behavior. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to remote learning caused confusion about attendance and participation norms. Durkheim theorized that deviance during such times can catalyze the emergence of new norms, adapting to changing circumstances. As educational institutions navigated these challenges, they established guidelines that helped restore structure and clarity during uncertain times.

5. The Role of Deviants in Adaptation

In Durkheim's view, deviance can be seen as a crucial driver of social evolution. As people challenge established norms, they can prompt society to adapt, thereby facilitating growth and development. This adaptability is vital in maintaining the resilience of society, showing that deviance is not merely disruptive but an integral part of the social fabric that supports progress and cohesion.

Conclusion on Durkheim's Functionalism

Emile Durkheim's functionalist approach invites us to reevaluate our understanding of deviance, urging us to see it as an important aspect of social life that underpins both stability and growth. Through reinforcing norms, encouraging change, and fostering unity, deviance ultimately contributes to societal resilience. Thank you for joining me in exploring Durkheim's functionalist perspective on deviance.

Labeling Theory: Howard Becker

Introduction to Howard Becker

Hello everyone, and welcome back to The Online Sociologist. I’m Ryan, and today we explore a distinct perspective on deviance articulated by sociologist Howard Becker and his labeling theory. Becker's work illuminates how social labels shape our identities, particularly in the realm of deviant behavior, ushering sociology into a new dimension through a focus on societal reactions rather than the acts themselves.

Core of Becker's Labeling Theory

Becker posits that deviance is not an inherent quality of an act; instead, it is defined through societal labels. The labeling process is influenced by social interactions and the dynamics of power. This symbolic interactionism framework illustrates that deviance arises from societal definitions rather than existing as an objective concept.

Stages of Labeling

Becker outlines a two-step process for the creation of deviance:

  1. Defining Rules: Social groups establish rules that delineate acceptable behavior.

  2. Labeling Deviance: When someone breaks these rules, society reacts by labeling them as deviant. This labeling is shaped by contextual factors and power dynamics, often revealing biases in societal reactions.

Case Study on Drug Use

A striking example of this labeling phenomenon can be observed in the context of drug use. During the 1980s crack epidemic, drug use was heavily criminalized in predominantly Black communities, with users readily labeled as criminals. Conversely, during the more recent opioid crisis, which primarily affected white communities, addiction was framed as a public health issue. These differing responses underscore the societal biases inherent in the labeling process.

Primary and Secondary Deviance

In Becker’s framework, the concepts of primary and secondary deviance serve to illustrate the impact of labeling on self-perception:

  • Primary Deviance: Refers to initial acts of rule-breaking that do not necessarily affect an individual's self-identity.

  • Secondary Deviance: Occurs when an individual internalizes society's label and begins to see themselves through that lens, potentially reinforcing the deviant behavior.

Becker's study, Becoming a Marijuana User, exemplifies this process, indicating that marijuana use became deviant primarily through societal labeling rather than any inherent quality of the act itself.

Conclusion on Labeling Theory

Becker's labeling theory provides a profound insight into how deviance is socially constructed, emphasizing the role of societal reactions and context. This perspective shifts the focus from individual actions to the social processes and interactions that define deviant behavior, reinforcing the notion that deviance is influenced by societal perceptions.

Broken Windows Theory

Introduction to Broken Windows Theory

Today, I’m discussing Broken Windows Theory, a significant paradigm shift in urban public safety developed in the early 1980s by sociologists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling. This theory examines the connection between visible disorder and crime, proposing that small signs of neglect can escalate into serious crime problems.

Context of Development

The introduction of Broken Windows Theory came during a time when many American cities were grappling with escalating crime rates, economic hardship, and visible urban decay marked by vandalism and abandoned buildings. The economic downturn of the late 1970s had left urban areas under-resourced, leading to significant reductions in public services and an increase in poverty. This created an environment where residents feared that these signs of disorder might exacerbate crime and erode community morale.

Core Concepts of Broken Windows Theory

In their 1982 article titled Broken Windows, Wilson and Kelling assert that minor signs of disorder—such as broken windows, graffiti, and public loitering—signal vulnerability to crime within a neighborhood. When these minor offenses are left unaddressed, they can create a lawless atmosphere that ultimately fosters more serious criminal activities.

The theory advocates for the rapid addressing of these small issues—believing that maintaining order can deter more severe crimes. An illustrative example of this theory's application is the crackdown on subway graffiti in New York City during the 1980s. Officials recognized graffiti as an indicator of neglect and initiated policies for immediate removal to maintain a sense of order and prevent further criminality.

Implementation and Impact

By the 1990s, Broken Windows Theory shaped urban policing, particularly in cities like New York under Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The NYPD adopted zero tolerance policing strategies, emphasizing enforcement of minor infractions such as fare evasion and public drinking to sustain public order. Proponents of Broken Windows Theory pointed to a marked decline in crime rates during this period as evidence of its effectiveness.

Critiques and Counterarguments

Despite its widespread influence, the theory has faced considerable criticism:

  1. Lack of Empirical Evidence: Sociologist Bernard Harcourt, in his book Illusions of Order, argues there is insufficient empirical evidence linking Broken Windows policing to significant reductions in serious crime, suggesting that broader socio-economic factors might be more influential.

  2. Racial Profiling and Over-Policing: Research, including that of sociologist Jeffrey Fagan, indicates that a focus on minor offenses can perpetuate systemic racism, disproportionately targeting Black and Latino individuals. This can undermine trust between police and communities by contributing to feelings of criminalization over minor actions.

In response to these critiques, many cities have begun shifting toward community-oriented strategies that promote building trust and addressing root causes of crime, rather than solely focusing on visible signs of disorder.

Conclusion on Broken Windows Theory

In conclusion, while Broken Windows Theory remains a significant component of urban policing and city planning, its complexities highlight the nuances of public safety concerns and the need for more comprehensive and community-centered approaches.