Theoretical Perspective: “Functionalism”
Who and When: Robert Merton (1968)
Strain Theory Definition: deviance is more likely to occur when a gap exists between—
cultural goals (American Dream)
AND the ability to achieve them
Innovation: person accepts cultural goals but uses illegal methods to achieve them
Four Components:
Ritualism: person rejects cultural goals but uses legitimate methods
Retreatism: person rejects cultural goals and legitimate methods
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuzYGzXJJcw
Four Components:
Rebellion: person rejects cultural goals and legitimate methods; creates new goals & methods
Strain Theory You Tube Clip
Theoretical Perspective: “Functionalism”
Who and When: Travis Hirschi (1972)
Control Theory Definition: compliance to social norms require strong bonds between individuals and society
Example
Children adhere to their parents requests and rules because they respect and love them
Attachment: the stronger the relationship the more likely you will conform
Four Components of Social Bonds:
Involvement: the more participation in socially approved activities the more likely you will conform to society
Belief: believing in societies norms and values results in conformity to society
Four Components of Social Bonds:
Commitment: the more committed you are to societies goals the more you will conform to society
Theoretical Perspective: “Symbolic Interactionism”
Who and When: Edwin Sutherland(1939)
Theory Definition: we learn deviance through the number deviant acts we are exposed to in our life
Example - Son grows up watching Mom get beat up by Dad - Son gets married, becomes alcoholic and abuses his wife
1. The Ratio of Deviant people to Non-Deviant people observed during ones life
2. Occurrence of Deviant behavior by ones significant others during ones life
3. The age to which one was exposed to deviant behavior
Three Characteristics:
Theoretical Perspective: “Symbolic Interactionism”
Who and When: Howard Becker (1963)
Labeling Theory Definition: Society creates deviance by identifying (through labels) people who are deviant Example
Primary Deviance: committing deviant acts are limited and not a person’s norm Example caught once drinking and driving
The Components:
Secondary Deviance: committing deviant acts are a persons way of life and a norm Example drink and drive all the time
The Results:
Stigma/Label: status attached to someone as a result of a deviant act Example Alcoholic
Drunk
Theoretical Perspective: “Conflict”
Who and When: Steven Spitzer(1980)
Theory Explanation: Industrialized societies protect themselves against deviants Example
The Components:
1. The beliefs of those who criticize industrial society challenge societal norms
2. Society needs a workforce and those who do not work are deviants.
3. Those who threaten private property are deviants.
4. Respect of authority is important and those who petition and protest against authority are deviants.
5. Certain competitive activities are encouraged as long as they fit into accepted norms (violent sports)
