SOC 2070 Lecture : first class (jan 9th) notes
17 Jan 2012
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Document Summary
Three perspectives on defining deviance: absolutist perspective. If something is wrong now in one place, it should be deemed wrong always, everywhere. Examples on slides: social constructionist approach. Focus on norms that cause deviance, not the act itself. Social meanings, values and rules are uncertain. Study the way norms are created etc Different definitions come about in different locations. How views or right and wrong are held and acted upon in different societies are important. Definitions of deviance are not universal, but varied. Deviance lodged in the eye of the beholder rather than the act itself (becker) Believe deviance has a + function (a part of every society); i. e. employment (judges), helps clarify for others what the boundaries are, people bond together. Builds in relativism; deviance is defined by those in power (powerful classes) Folkways (everyday norms, etiquette) i. e. talking too close to people. Mores (based on broad, social norms) i. e. drug addiction.
