7.3: Theoretical Perspectives on Deviance
- Page ID
- 1032
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Functionalism
Émile Durkheim: The Essential Nature of Deviance
Robert Merton: Strain Theory
Social Disorganization Theory
Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay: Cultural Deviance Theory
Conflict Theory
Karl Marx: An Unequal System
C. Wright Mills: The Power Elite
Crime and Social Class
Symbolic Interactionism
Labeling Theory
Edwin Sutherland: Differential Association
Travis Hirschi: Control Theory
Functionalism | Associated Theorist | Deviance arises from: |
Strain Theory | Robert Merton | A lack of ways to reach socially accepted goals by accepted methods |
Social Disorganization Theory | University of Chicago researchers | Weak social ties and a lack of social control; society has lost the ability to enforce norms with some groups |
Cultural Deviance Theory | Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay | Conformity to the cultural norms of lower-class society |
Conflict Theory | Associated Theorist | Deviance arises from: |
Unequal System | Karl Marx | Inequalities in wealth and power that arise from the economic system |
Power Elite | C. Wright Mills | Ability of those in power to define deviance in ways that maintain the status quo |
Symbolic Interactionism | Associated Theorist | Deviance arises from: |
Labeling Theory | Edwin Lemert | The reactions of others, particularly those in power who are able to determine labels |
Differential Association Theory | Edwin Sutherlin | Learning and modeling deviant behavior seen in other people close to the individual |
Control Theory | Travis Hirschi | Feelings of disconnection from society |
Summary
Section Quiz
Short Answer
Further Research
References
Glossary
- conflict theory
- a theory that examines social and economic factors as the causes of criminal deviance
- control theory
- a theory that states social control is directly affected by the strength of social bonds and that deviance results from a feeling of disconnection from society
- cultural deviance theory
- a theory that suggests conformity to the prevailing cultural norms of lower-class society causes crime
- differential association theory
- a theory that states individuals learn deviant behavior from those close to them who provide models of and opportunities for deviance
- labeling theory
- the ascribing of a deviant behavior to another person by members of society
- master status
- a label that describes the chief characteristic of an individual
- power elite
- a small group of wealthy and influential people at the top of society who hold the power and resources
- primary deviance
- a violation of norms that does not result in any long-term effects on the individual’s self-image or interactions with others
- secondary deviance
- deviance that occurs when a person’s self-concept and behavior begin to change after his or her actions are labeled as deviant by members of society
- social disorganization theory
- a theory that asserts crime occurs in communities with weak social ties and the absence of social control
- strain theory
- a theory that addresses the relationship between having socially acceptable goals and having socially acceptable means to reach those goals