Functionalism and Deviance 7.2

1. Functionalism and Deviance7.2 Mac Kahn Avielle Saffar

2. Learning Target Differentiate the major functional theories of deviance

3. Costs and Benefits of Deviance • the functionalist perspective emphasizes social stability and the way the different parts of society contribute to the whole. • functionalists believe that some deviance can contribute to the smooth operation of society. • deviance is both positive and negative

4. Negative Effects of Deviance • deviance erodes trust. • a society with widespread suspicion and distrust cannot function smoothly. • if not punished or corrected, deviance can also cause nonconforming behaviors in others. • deviance stimulates deviance in others. • deviant behavior is expensive. it diverts resources, both human and monetary.

5. Positive Effects of Deviance • deviance clarifies norms by exercising social control to defend its values. • society, defines, adjusts, and reaffirms norms. • deviance can be a temporary safety value. • deviance increases unity within a society or group. when deviance reminds people of something they value, it strengthens that value. • deviance also promotes needed social change.

6. Strain Theory • anomie: a social condition in which norms are weak, conflicting, or absent. • strain theory: theory that deviance is more likely to occur when a gap exists between cultural goals and the ability to achieve these goals by legitimate means. • every society establishes some goals and socially approved way of obtaining them. • when people accept the goal and the means to achieve it, it is called conformity.

7. Responding to Strain • conformity is not deviant behavior, the four responses to strain are considered deviant though. • innovation: the individual accepts the goals of success but uses illegal means to achieve it. ex. robbery, drug dealing, lucrative criminal behavior • ritualism: the individual accepts the goal but continues to use the legitimate means. ex. a teacher who goes about daily routines of work without any concern for students or quality of teaching

8. Responding to Strain Continued • retreatism: both the legitimate means and the approved goals are rejected. they do not seek success. ex. skid-row alcoholics, drug addicts, bag ladies • rebellion: individuals reject both success and the approved means of achieving it. they substitute a new set of goals and means. ex. creating your own currency, deliberately violating gun laws, threatening violent behavior against law enforcement officers

9. Control Theory • control theory: theory that compliance with social norms requires strong bonds between individuals and society. • if the bonds of the control theory are weak, if anomie is present, deviance occurs. • in this theory social bonds control the behavior of people, thus preventing deviant acts. people conform because they don’t want to “lose face” with family members, friends, classmates.

10. Elements of Social Bonds • attachment: the stronger the attachment the more likely to conform. (ex. ties with friends, family, schools, churches, etc…) • commitment: the greater your commitment to social goals, the more likely you are to conform. (ex. the greater the commitment you put down, the more likely you are to succeed)

11. Elements of Social Bonds Continued • involvement: participation in approved social activities increases conformity. ex. social interaction in clubs, sports, work, etc… • belief: believed in norms and values of society promotes conformity. ex. religions, backgrounds, ethnicities

12. Vocabulary • Anomie: a social condition in which norms are weak, conflicting, or absent • Strain Theory: theory that deviance is more likely to occur when a gap exists between cultural goals and the ability to achieve these goals by legitimate means • Control Theory: theory that compliance with social norms require strong bonds between individuals and society

13. Questions • What is Anomie? • What is the Strain Theory? • What is the Control Theory? • What are 2 Negative Effects of Deviance? • What are 2 Positive Effects to Deviance? • What are 4 Ways to Respond to Strain? • What are 4 Elements of Social Bonds?