SOC101Y1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Mccarthyism, Irritant Diaper Dermatitis, 6 Years
Document Summary
We will examine the ways in which deviance was understood in the prescientific period before the transition to rationalism and science (the enlightenment) in the 17th century. The earliest sacred myths illustrated the character of deviance and warned people about the consequences of excessive control and excessive deviance. The spread and penetration of monotheistic religions led to a more causal, yet supernatural, explanation according to which, the devil caused deviance and all other ills. Deviance was wrong and was understood (constructed) as evil. Before the enlightenment, people understood life in terms of myths, parables, and stories. Their experiences were described and explained in nonscientific ways. Ethical messages were supported by collections of mythical tales about offences against the powers of creation or against social regulation. These offences are not always intended or even known to the offender. Temptation and its consequences are central to many of these stories. Secular or magical stories also reinforce cultural images of deviance and control.
