Exam 1 Flashcards
Absolutist Perspective
laws represent collective consciousness. moral codes
relativist
deviance is relative, there is multiple definitions of the same act. deviance is socially constructed. Deviance varies based on context (social, cultural, historical, political)
main idea of relativist perspective???
nothing is inherently deviant, and anything can be deviant depending on context
(Curra) egocentrism
wrapped up in own viewpoint. ones own point of view is the only point of view.
(Curra) ethnocentrism
seeing own culture as better than everyone elses
why do some forms of deviance spark public outrage while others do not
because those forms of deviance benefit powerful people in society
what happens when you call someone deviant?
their is always an implied social context as well as an implied comparison
methods of definition
tools used to get people to agree something is deviant (ex: explaining an act was deviant and using specific words such as monster, crazy, etc)
harm based definition of deviance
often involves harm of others. Ex: porn victimizes/harms women and children. Binge drinking is deviant because people people get hurt by drunk people
disease model definition of deviance
something is deviant because it is bad for ones health. Ex: alcohol is deviant because it is unhealthy or addictive
poor taste definition of deviance
something is deviant because it is offensive in some way. Ex: the gross baby shower cake shown in class
sin/crime definition of deviance
something is deviant because it offends god or goes against a law
legitimate order
social action which involves a social relationship may be guided by belief in existence of a legitimate order. people believe in a legitimate order and orient their action toward it
Statistical definition of deviance
statistically deviant compared to everyone else. Basically, you’re deviant because your different from everyone else
power and politics with deviance
can be used for political gain, there is a battle between winners and losers. more powerful groups are able to label what is deviant and thus can keep their power.
individualistic theories
assume causes of deviance are within individuals and often ignore role of social environment
critical theories
focus on power structures and ignore the degrees to which individuals freely choose deviant behaviors or other micro level causes.
Demonology
people engage in deviant behavior due to supernatural forces. ex: gods will, or “the devil made me do it”’
trait theory
theorizes causes at individual level. traits one has make ppl engage in deviant behavior or cause others to react negatively towards them. ex: body chemistry, disability, etc
rational choice theories
people are rational, think in logical manner, therefore they choose to be deviant. people are selfish and pursue own interests even if it harms others. cost- benefit ratio. people will refrain from bad acts b/c threat of punishment makes the cost outweigh potential benefit
social disorganization theory
the breakdown of social institutions in a community which fosters deviant behavior because their is less supervision which results in familys being disrupted and schools disordered. Also, a value system supportive of crime is transmitted across generations
strain theory
societal forces pressure ppl into deviance. value goals are held out to all members of society (wealth, leisure, etc). there are class differences in accessibility of means needed to reach these goals, thus people use any means possible to obtain goal, even illegitimate ways
social learning theory
we learn deviance from our friends, family, and others around us. people around us teach us how and when to be deviant.
critical theory
concepts of inequality and power are integral to understanding deviant behavior. states operate to legitimize and protect social arrangements that benefit those profiting from capitalism
