SOC 2070 Chapter Notes -Deinstitutionalisation, Rational Expectations, Essentialism

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 2070
• Professor: Andrew Robinson

Document Summary

When we say that in american society, generally, prostitutes, political radicals, and atheists tend to be looked down upon and regarded as deviants, this does not mean that we necessarily agree with the judgement. Certain acts, beliefs and traits are deviant society wide because they are condemned but the majority, the most powerful members of society. This raises the question of the dominance of one category or society over another. Some groups are more powerful, influential, and numerous than others. Social scientists say that a dominant beliefs or institution is hegemonic: it holds swat over beliefs helf or institutions supported by less powerful social groupings. This is compatible with the situational definition of deviance. Low consensus deviance: what fetches condemnation in one social circle produces indifference or even praise in another. Attitudes: unpopular, unconventional beliefs that may or may not manifest themselves into actions: holding unconventional, unorthodox, or unpopular beliefs may be regarded as cognitive deviance.