Introduction to Deviance

A view of deviance that assumes a universal set of norms and behaviors that everyone agrees upon.

A view of deviance that emphasizes the role of social interactions and power in defining what is considered deviant.

A perspective that focuses on objectively measuring and observing deviant behavior, treating it as a factual phenomenon.

A perspective that emphasizes how social processes shape the definition of deviance and label individuals or groups as deviant.

Rules of behavior, conduct, and conditions within a society.

A behavior or condition that violates the norms of a group or society and is subject to disapproval and punishment.

A general approach that seeks to explain deviant behavior by identifying its causes, using observation and measurement.

A general approach that focuses on the social processes that create and maintain definitions of deviance, emphasizing power and social interactions.

Deviance can vary by culture and context. What's seen as deviant in one place might be acceptable in another.

Some behaviors are deviant depending on the situation, or who's doing it.

Studying deviance across cultures helps us understand how society shapes our views of what's normal or abnormal.

Everyday norms that are generally not met with strong disapproval when violated.

Strongest norms backed by official sanctions or a formal response.

Social norms that are based on values, morals and beliefs. People act based on what is socially accepted and expected.

The process of trying to control and regulate the behavior of individuals or groups. Methods of social control include norms, sanctions, and social institutions.

The ability to understand how personal experiences and social forces interact to shape individual behavior and social phenomena.

A way of thinking about deviance that focuses on individual traits and pathology, blaming individuals for their behavior.

A scientific approach to studying deviance that uses a structured process to minimize bias.

A research approach where the researcher starts with a theory and then tests it using empirical data.

A research approach where the researcher observes patterns in data and then develops a theory to explain them.

A set of interconnected ideas that provide a framework for understanding social phenomena, including deviance.

A theory about human behavior that explains how individuals learn to deviate from societal norms through interactions with others.

A theory that argues that deviance is a consequence of the power struggle between different social groups.

Studying how societal norms are created, rather than focusing on why individuals break them.

The belief that our understanding of the world is constantly evolving through interactions and negotiations between people.

A perspective that criticizes power structures and how they shape the definition of deviance.

The argument that established norms often reflect the values of those in power, potentially marginalizing other groups.

The idea that deviance is often viewed through a lens that privileges white, male, middle-to-upper class perspectives, potentially overlooking the experiences of others.

The ability to understand individual experiences within a broader social, institutional, and historical context.

An example used to illustrate how social structures influence individual choices.

A testable statement or proposition about the relationship between variables in a study, derived from a broader theory.

A qualitative research method that aims to develop a theory grounded in data collected from real-world observations and interviews.

The process of using a theory to provide explanations and solutions for social problems, especially in the study of deviance.

A historical critique of the study of deviance, highlighting its tendency to focus on individuals' flaws and failures rather than on the broader social forces that contribute to deviance.

A term used to describe laws or rules that appear unusual or strange in the context of modern society, often stemming from cultural or historical factors.

The ability for theories to focus our attention on the complex interplay between power, social structures, and behavior in relation to deviance.