Functionalism and Deviance7.2

Mac KahnAvielle Saffar

Learning Target

Differentiate the major functional

theories of deviance

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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)

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

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

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?