SOC 1 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Ritualism In The Church Of England, Symbolic Interactionism, Labeling Theory
Document Summary
Causes the group"s members to close ranks, unite, and organize against a moral threat. Promotes organization and governance to maintain order and limit future deviant acts. Ambiguous acts of deviance help clarify for the group what it really does believe in. Helps clarify what the norms of the group actually are. Teaches normal behavior by providing examples of rule violation and subsequent punishment. In some situations, tolerance of deviant behavior acts as a safety valve and actually prevents more serious instances of nonconformity. Can draw attention to and challenge legal, but unequal or unjust practices. It is a threat to the social order because it can make social life difficult, dangerous, or unpredictable. It can cause confusion about the norms and values of a society. It can divert valuable resources (to control widespread deviance, vast resources must be shifted from other social needs) To explain deviant behavior as a rational choice.
