SOC224 Lecture : Full Semester of Lecture notes
Document Summary
There is no concrete measure of deviance, although it can be described by. Objective measures a )statistical rarity (geniuses: harm (mental, sexual, etc, societal reaction (ex. Polygamy: normative violation (dress codes in institutions) Subjective measures societies decide what is deviant and what is normative. They assign labels based on who is in positions of power. If there is no negative reaction, then there is no deviance. when a reaction occurs, it is due to a breach in the moral code. Individual behaviour is socially influenced, if not determined. This is a controversial topic which challenges notions of free will. Sociologists examine the forces of economics, sexism, medical care, infrastructure, world and local events to come to this conclusion. Sex, age and mental and physical health are all barriers and forces that prevent and propel individuals. The human actors are neither totally free nor totally deterrent. The sexual sterilization act was on the books until 1972.
