SOCI 2445 Lecture Notes - Scapegoating, Defence Mechanisms, Relativism
Document Summary
Demonological explanations: viewed deviant behaviour as those behaviours shown by those who were possessed, practiced magic/sorcery, evil spirits. Lombroso: anybody that has a physiological difference (missing arm, differently shaped head) Statistical definitions: look at numbers minority is usually deviant. Pathological behaviour: disease like behaviour, durkheim crime is normal what makes it pathological is when crime rates exceed the state"s ability to control it. Dangerous behaviour direct threat to society"s stability: people are perceived as harmless or dangerous, determined by how someone acts, defense mechanism. The way we respond to deviant behaviour changes over time. What is classified as deviant depends on who the victim is and who the offender is and who observes it. Rules are only enforced when there are certain consequences. Enforcing a rule is an enterprising act one must take initiative. Enforcement occurs when society wants those rules enforced. Complaints are needed for enforcement to occur.