Normative and Non-normative behavior Flashcards
Violation of a societal norm. Defined relative to what society decides is appropriate
Deviance
Deviance is a learned behavior that results from continuous exposure to others whom violate norms and laws
Theory of differential association
Behavior is deviant if people have judged the behavior and labeled it as deviant - depends on what is acceptable by society
Deviance doesn’t lie in the act, but rather the social response of applying a label to individuals
Labeling theory
Primary vs secondary deviance
Primary deviance: behavior with no long-term consequences, does not result in being labeled as a deviant
Secondary deviance: behavior with serious consequences, results in being labeled as a deviant by society, often leading to stigmatization and further deviance
Societal pressure to succeed can place significant strain on individuals, leading them to deviant behavior
Strain theory
Example: Pressure to succeed academically leads to student cheating
Collective behavior vs Group behavior
Collective:
Time-limited, short social interactions, Open, anyone can participate, and Examples: Fads, mass hysteria, riots
Group:
Prolonged social interactions over long time, Exclusive, Examples: Churches, clubs
Type of norm:
Mildest norm, common rules/manners
Right vs rude
Holding door open for someone
Folkways
Type of norm:
Norms based on strong moral beliefs of an individual/group
Right vs wrong
Abortion for a devout religious person
Mores
Type of norm:
Based on morality but with formal and consistent consequences
Right vs illegal
Speeding punishable by fine
Laws
Type of norm:
Behaviors completely forbidden or wrong, most deviant
Right vs forbidden
Incest or cannibalism
Taboos
Standards for which behaviors are acceptable, and which are not
Context-dependent: vary by physical locations, culture, and country
Norms
Rewards or punishments for behaviors in accordance or against norms
Sanctions can be positive (reward) or negative (punishment)
Sanctions
Formal versus informal norms
Formal norms: written down, codified. Example: Dress code at a school
Informal norms: implicitly understood. Example: Fashion
