SOCI 102 Lecture 1: Chapter 7: Deviance and Crime
Document Summary
Deviance is the violation of rules or norms. There are some sociological theories trying to answer this question (1) labeling theory (social learning theory): Labeling theory sees crime as socially constructed through a definitional or reaction process. A dramatic shift from individuals to society. Minor problems: someone breaks a law or violates a rule. Being officially labeled criminal or deviant (definitional process) Undergoes a fundamental change in personal identity. Begins to act in accordance with the label (2) structural strain theory: The root causes of crime or deviance is a gap between goals and the means people have available to achieve their goals. Poverty rate increases (14. 1%) (the poverty is not crime/deviance) The divorce rate increases (divorce is not crime/deviance) Conclusion: the gap cold cause many social problems. In society, people have goals in their life (economic, political) They depend on social structure (social institutions + social relationships)
