Sociological Viewpoint of Deviance

Sociological Viewpoint of Deviance

Deviance is a wide-ranging term used by sociologists to refer to

behaviour that varies, in some way, from a social norm. In this

respect, it is evident that the concept of deviance refers to some

form of "rule-breaking" behaviour. In relation to deviance, therefore,

the concept relates to all forms of rule-breaking whether this

involves such things as murder, theft or arson - the breaking of

formal social rules - or such things as wearing inappropriate clothing

for a given social situation, failing to produce homework at school or

the breaking of relatively informal social rules. In practice, the

study of deviance is usually limited to deviance that results in

negative sanctions. (Goode (1994), p. 1)

Functionalist account

Durkheim argues that crime is a universal feature of all societies.

This is because crime serves a vital social function. Through the

punishment of offenders, the moral boundaries of a community are

clearly marked out, and attachment to them is reinforced. The purpose

of punishment is not deterrence, rehabilitation nor retribution.

Punishment strengthens social solidarity through the reaffirmation of

moral commitment among the conforming population who witness the

suffering of the offender. Durkheim also argues that the elimination

of crime is impossible; this is because there are, and always will be,

differences between people. People will identify differences between

themselves and others, no matter how small; these differences will

constitute a form of deviance. Humans then don't just identify

differences, they also evaluate them: good/bad, normal/abnormal,

natural/u...

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rest of society and denied any status. They therefore develop a

distinct set of values or a subculture, which provides them with an

alternative means of gaining status, and this possibly leads them into

delinquency.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Goode, E. & Ben-Yehuda, N. (1994) Moral Panic: Social Construction of

Deviance: Blackwell Publishers Ltd

Rubington, E. & Weinberg, M.S. (2004) Deviance: The Interactionist

Perspective:

Allyn & Bacon

Giddens , A. (2001) Sociology (4th ed): Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Haralambos, M. (2004) Sociology in Focus for AQA A2 Level: Causeway

Press

Haralambos, M & Heald, R.M. (2004). Theory and Methods. In Sociology

Themes and Perspectives (6th ed.). Collins Educational.

Moore, S. (1996) Investigating Crime and Deviance (Sociology in

Action): Collins Educational