Introduction
Society comprises many individuals with different backgrounds, beliefs, and principles. For social structures and interactions to function generally in such chaos, society develops several mechanisms necessary to establish order and hierarchy. One of these mechanisms is the division of community members into conformists or deviants based on compliance with the norms of behavior. This mechanism was formed simultaneously with the appearance of the first human communities and proved effective. However, some theorists argue that separating deviants has negative consequences. This essay will examine some theories of deviance and different views on deviance as a form of social control.
Theories of Deviance
Control Theory
The control theory considers the concept of deviance as the non-acceptance of the norms of behavior established in a particular society, instilled in an individual from birth. This theory is based on the principles of the influence of internal and external controlling forces on a person. External parties, such as social institutions, teach the norms and rules established in society, while internal forces develop in each community member based on upbringing and lived experience (Cole). This theory is supported by the fact that people with less strong ties to families and other social groups are more prone to deviant behavior. However, this pattern is not observed in all cases of deviation, which indirectly confirms that control is not always an acceptable way to deal with behavioral disorders.
Labeling Theory
Another theory related to the public perception of deviants is called the labeling theory. This theory states that other community members label people who commit offenses as deviant. Thus, social mechanisms highlight and flag unacceptable behavior, separating law-abiding members of society from those who tend to break the established rules (Cohen). This theory confirms how most human communities react to criminals. However, sometimes labeling can have negative consequences and lead to the establishment of social stigma, which will further push the person to deviant behavior.
Strain Theory
From the structural-functional perspective, deviance is an individual’s response to the inability to meet specific requirements of society. The founder of this approach is Robert Merton, author of the strain theory of deviance (Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World). In this context, a person with deviant behavior is considered an individual who does not have the opportunity to achieve benefits in a socially encouraged way, so he begins to master other methods. It’s not necessarily a crime – sometimes alternative paths to success include activism and non-stereotypical thinking. This perspective can be confirmed in highly segregated societies, including capitalist ones.
Conflict Theory
The conflict perspective takes an even more radical view of the division of society. Deviation in this paradigm is considered both a form of protest of the lower social classes against the ruling elite and a tool for controlling the rich types over the poor. Conflict within society gives rise to the desire of some people to occupy a privileged position and gain access to resources. Deviant behavior in such communities is strictly controlled by laws and actively condemned to prevent a change in the status quo.
Symbolic Interaction Theory
Finally, deviance can be viewed from the symbolic interaction perspective. This perspective focuses not on what factors push people to deviant behavior but on what makes a person choose deviance repeatedly. The labeling theory and differential association theory examine the impact of stigma and labeling on a person’s lifestyle (CrashCourse). Deviance, in this case, is seen as a socially reprehensible evil. A person who breaks the rules will also be associated with social evil and physically or morally separated from other members of society.
Conclusion
Thus, deviance can be considered from the point of view of different theories and concepts and acquire different nuances and interpretations. A common feature of all concepts is the negative perception of behavioral deviations by most members of society. This division into acceptable and unacceptable behavior is significant for the everyday interaction of large communities. However, it is necessary to be aware of the negative impact of such labeling on the problem of segregation of society and discrimination of its members.
Works Cited
Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing, 2016.
“Theories of Deviance.” YouTube, uploaded by Erin Cole. 2016. Web.
“Theories of Deviance.” YouTube, uploaded by Matt Cohen, 2016. Web.
“Theory & Deviance: Crash Course Sociology #19.” YouTube, uploaded by CrashCourse, 2017. Web.