Understanding Deviance in Society

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is one advantage of analyzing deviance?

It can prove that everyone views deviance the same way.

It allows analysis of why people have different views about what is deviant. (correct)

It ensures all opinions are considered equal.

It provides a definitive list of deviant behaviors.

How does the normative definition approach to deviance operate?

It is based solely on legal definitions.

It assumes all individuals agree on what is normative.

It is based on societal norms. (correct)

It ignores societal reactions to behaviors.

Which of the following statements correctly differentiates deviance and crime?

All deviance is considered immoral.

Deviance only includes illegal activities.

Crime is a type of deviance. (correct)

Deviance has no legal implications.

What characterizes a deviant person?

They have been labeled negatively by a group. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor affects whether behavior is considered deviant?

Societal status, physical features, and severity of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of deviance in a sociological context?

Behavior that violates societal standards or expectations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a key aspect of deviance according to its universal definition?

It is presumed behavior that defies social expectations. Signup and view all the answers

How does the prevalence of a behavior relate to its classification as deviant?

Widespread behavior typically normalizes it, reducing its deviance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of the absolutist approach when categorizing deviance?

It relies on subjective interpretations of moral standards. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the legalistic approach to deviance is true?

Deviance is understood as any action that breaks the law. Signup and view all the answers

What role does power play in defining deviance?

Power influences both the creation and enforcement of social norms. Signup and view all the answers

How can deviance be seen in terms of societal phenomenon?

Deviance can act as a mirror reflecting societal expectations and values. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the idea that deviance is situational?

The same behavior may be deviant in one context and accepted in another. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically established to define what constitutes a crime in society?

Society's social norms and values Signup and view all the answers

Which approach assesses behavior based on the harm it causes to individuals or society?

Social harm approach Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of evaluating behaviors strictly through societal norms?

It may ignore harmful behaviors that lack societal reactions Signup and view all the answers

How can the statistical standpoint be advantageous in evaluating harmful behaviors?

It can quantify the impact in terms of deaths and incidents Signup and view all the answers

What does the group evaluation approach assess?

The collective beliefs regarding good and bad in society Signup and view all the answers

What factor often influences the recognition of a behavior as deviant?

The general acceptance within society Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can mislead evaluations of harmful behavior?

Informal societal reactions to behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of solely relying on a statistical approach to determine harm?

It neglects the emotional impact of harmful behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Deviance?

Deviance refers to behavior that violates the standards or expectations of a group or society.
Deviance can involve harmful or illegal behaviors, such as breaking the law.
Examples of deviant behaviors include addiction to gambling, drug addiction, and alcohol abuse.

Defining Deviance: Perspectives

Deviance is a complex concept with various definitions.
A universal definition of deviance can be represented with this acronym: DEVIANT
- D - Presumed behaviour
- E - Defies social expectations
- V - Made and enforced by those with influence, power and status
- I - Have been applied to people or groups in particular situations
- A - Maintains power
- N - People with the most power and status
- T - Deviance is not always negative

Deviance: Perspectives and Approaches

Absolutist Approach:
- This approach uses societal standards to decide what is good and bad.
- Deviations from these norms are measured against these evaluative criteria.
- For example, eating in an unusual way could be classified as deviant.
Legalistic Approach:
- This approach defines deviance based on the law.
- If something is considered harmful by society, it is codified into law.
Social Harm Approach:
- This approach examines the harm caused by a behavior.
- The amount of harm, social, physical, or emotional, can help determine whether something is deviant.
Reactive Approach:
- This approach considers how people react to a behavior.
- Social disapproval or formal punishment indicates that a behaviour is deviant.
- If a behavior is generally accepted, it is not considered deviant.
Group Evaluation Approach:
- This approach considers the beliefs and values of people within a society to define what is good or bad.
- It allows the analysis of why people have different views about what is considered deviant.
Normative Definition Approach:
- This approach focuses on societal norms.
- For example, staring at the wall in an elevator is considered weird and violates elevator norms.

Deviance vs. Crime

Deviance does not always equate to crime.
Crimes are always deviant, but deviant behavior is not always a crime.
Types of deviance can range from illegal activities like assault to things like eating disorders.

Deviant Behavior and Individuals

A deviant person is someone who has been labeled as "bad" by a group.
Many people engage in deviant behaviour but are not considered deviant.
Being labeled as deviant depends on social status, physical features, and the severity of the behavior and the individual's impact on others.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the concept of deviance, including its definitions and perspectives. It examines how behavior that deviates from societal norms affects individuals and groups. Dive into the complexities of what defines deviance and its implications in various contexts.