SOC 2070 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Social Control, Erving Goffman, Iden
30 Nov 2015
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Document Summary
The term conjures up many images that take on different meanings to various audiences. While it may appear that such a wide spectrum of acts and behaviours have nothing in common, they all represent examples of behaviour that have elicited negative reactions from large or powerful audiences. Even the idea of deviance tells us about a society"s tolerance and control over individuals. Tells us about social organization and social structure. How deviance arises and how it is preserved: three perspectives on defining deviance, absolutist perspective. Assumes widespread consensus over definitions of deviance. Durkheim: social laws reflect objective facts, collective consciousness . Universal taboos against murder, incest, lying, etc. often cited as evidence. Absolutist proponents often view deviance as bad and destructive of social order, requiring stern, punitive measures ( law and order ) Absolutist elements incorporated into functionalist theories of deviance view that deviance is pathological or a disease and negative in its effect: social constructionist approach.
