SOC 102 Topic 3 DQ 2

Merton believed that deviance was the result of tension between the cultural goals or aspirations held out to the larger society, and the approved means of attaining those goals. Do you agree or disagree with this theoretical perspective?  Providing examples to back up your statement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Deviance and the tension between cultural goals or aspirations

We all have goals and aspirations. For some of us, these are personal; for others, they are professional or cultural. But what happens when our cultural goals or aspirations conflict with our personal desires? This is the tension at the heart of deviance. When our actions don’t line up with the expectations of our group, we are considered deviant. And while this can sometimes be a good thing (think: innovators and pioneers), it can also have negative consequences. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of deviance and how it plays out in our lives. We will also look at some examples of deviance in action and consider the implications of such behavior. So if you’re ready to learn more about this fascinating topic, read on!

What is deviance?

Deviance is the violation of a social norm. It is considered deviant to break the law, to engage in certain types of behaviors, or to hold certain beliefs. People who deviate from the mainstream culture are often seen as a threat to society.

There are different types of deviance, including criminal deviance, which is a violation of the law; and social deviance, which violates social norms. Some forms of deviance may be considered more serious than others. For example, murder is a more serious form of criminal deviance than shoplifting.

People may engage in deviant behavior for different reasons. Some people do it for attention, while others do it because they enjoy breaking the rules. Still others may do it because they feel that they have no other choice.

People who engage in deviant behavior often face negative consequences. They may be punished by the government or ostracized by their community. In some cases, they may even be killed.

Examples of deviance

There are many different examples of deviance, which can be broadly categorized into two types: criminal and non-criminal.

Criminal deviance includes activities that are prohibited by law, such as murder, robbery, and rape. Non-criminal deviance refers to behaviour that does not break the law but is considered unacceptable by society, such as littering or jaywalking.

People engage in deviant behaviour for a variety of reasons. Some do it for personal gain or gratification, while others do it to express their dissatisfaction with the status quo. Still others may see deviance as a way to rebel against authority or challenge social norms.

Whatever the reason, deviance often leads to tension and conflict within society. On one hand, there are those who support and even condone deviant behaviour, seeing it as a necessary part of maintaining a healthy society. On the other hand, there are those who believe that deviance should be punished and eradicated in order to uphold cultural goals and aspirations.

This tension between different perspectives on deviance can lead to conflict and division among people within a culture. It can also result in changes to laws and social norms over time, as different groups battle for control over how society should deal with deviance.

Theories of deviance

There are a number of theories that have been proposed to explain deviance. Some of these are:

1. Functionalist theory – This theory sees deviance as inevitable and necessary in any society. It performs a positive function by providing clarity on what the rules are and helping to maintain social order.

2. Conflict theory – This theory sees deviance as a result of the power struggle between different groups in society. The powerful define what is considered deviant in order to maintain their power and control over others.

3. Labeling theory – This theory posits that it is not the act itself that is deviant, but rather the label that is placed upon it by society. Once an individual is labeled as deviant, they may be seen as such even if they stop engaging in the original behavior.

4. Symbolic interactionism – This perspective focuses on how our interactions with others shape our perceptions of what is considered normal or deviant behavior.

The impact of deviance on society

The impact of deviance on society can be both positive and negative. On the one hand, deviance can challenge the status quo and lead to social change. On the other hand, deviance can also result in crime and violence, which can harm individuals and communities.

In some cases, deviance may be necessary for social progress. For example, the civil rights movement in the United States was led by people who broke the law by protesting against segregation and racism. If they had not been willing to break the law, they may never have achieved their goals.

However, deviance can also have negative consequences. Crime is an obvious example of this. When people break the law, it can lead to violence, property damage, and fear in communities. This can have a ripple effect, making it harder for people to trust each other and work together.

It is important to remember that not all deviance is bad. Some forms of deviance may be necessary for positive social change. However, too much deviance can lead to negative consequences for individuals and society as a whole.

How deviance can be both positive and negative

While deviance can have negative consequences, such as ostracism or even criminalization, it can also lead to positive outcomes. In some cases, deviance can challenge existing norms and lead to social change. It can also be a source of creativity and innovation.

Deviance can be both positive and negative because it depends on the context in which it occurs. For example, breaking the law is generally considered to be a negative form of deviance. However, if someone breaks the law in order to protest an unjust law or system, then their actions may be seen as positive by some people.

In other cases, deviance may simply be a matter of personal preference. What one person sees as deviant behavior may another person see as perfectly normal. Ultimately, whether deviance is considered positive or negative depends on individual perspectives and values.

Conclusion

The concept of deviance is complex and multi-dimensional, but ultimately it boils down to the tension between cultural goals or aspirations and reality. In other words, deviance is simply any behavior that falls outside of what is considered “normal” or “acceptable” by society. While some forms of deviance may be criminalized, others may simply be seen as eccentric or unusual. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what they consider to be deviant behavior.

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