SOC 014 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Deviant Behavior, Goode: Social Disorganization Theory, Demonic Possession, Social Control Theory

• School: University of Vermont
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 014
• Professor: Lutz F Kaelber

Document Summary

Oldest explanation for deviant behavior was demonic possession. Biological theories of deviance stigmatize segments of the population: these theories have been largely unsuccessful. Free will/rational calculation: deviant behavior is a result of a pleasure versus pain calculation. People engage in deviant behavior for several reasons aside from pursuing pleasure and avoiding pain. What is pleasurable to one person may not be to another. Criminal behavior is a purposive and rational means of attaining an end. Deviance thus varies by physical and geographic location. Also rests on the absence of a capable guardian: failed to recognize that control of communities and residents is tied to political and economic realities. Conformist: accepts cultural values/goals of success and conventional means of attainment. Innovation: accepts cultural values/goals of success but chooses to pursue unconventional means of attainment. Ritualism: abandons cultural values/goals of success but chooses to pursue conventional means of attainment. Retreatism: rejection of cultural values/goals of success and conventional means of attainment.