Social Work and Social Deviance Quiz

Understanding Deviance

• Deviance refers to behaviors that breach social norms or expectations of a group or society.
• What is considered deviant can vary widely between cultures.
• Sociologists classify deviance through social judgment rather than moral evaluation.

Types of Deviance

• Odd Behavior: Unconventional actions that may raise eyebrows but generally do not harm others.
• Admired Behavior: Actions that deviate from norms but are viewed positively by society.
• Bad Behavior: Actions that violate societal rules and are deemed harmful or unacceptable.

Norms and Sanctions

• Norms are rules that dictate acceptable behavior in a culture, consisting of formal and informal categories.
• Formal norms: Written laws (e.g., legal codes) or explicit organizational rules.
• Informal norms: Unwritten and unspoken cultural expectations.

Types of Norms

• Folkways: Mild norms with little serious repercussions when violated; often related to everyday etiquette (e.g., dressing appropriately, saying please and thank you).
• Mores: Strongly held societal rules that carry moral implications, with severe consequences for violation (e.g., theft, dishonesty, extramarital affairs).
• Taboo: Profoundly ingrained norms that provoke strong feelings of disgust when violated, varying significantly across cultures (e.g., addressing elders improperly, refusing a meal).

Sanctions

• Positive or negative reactions to adherence or violation of norms.
• Formal Sanctions: Imposed by authorities (e.g., grades from teachers).
• Informal Sanctions: Imposed by community members (e.g., social invitations or ostracism).

Theoretical Foundations of Social Deviance

• Structural-Functionalist Perspective (Emile Durkheim):

  • Deviance is defined in relation to societal norms and contributes to social order.
  • Functions of Deviance:
    • Affirms cultural norms and values.
    • Clarifies right from wrong.
    • Unifies society against deviance.
    • Promotes social change.

• Strain Theory (Robert King Merton):

  • Deviance arises from the strain and frustration individuals experience when unable to achieve universally accepted goals through legitimate means.
  • Anomie: A state where social norms are confused or absent, leading to deviant behavior.