Social science – sociology homework | SOC 100

Chapter 6: Social Control and Deviance

 It is the deviants among us who hold society together.

Introduction

Most of us are fascinated by deviance. We are drawn to stories about the strange and
 scary – whether it is 
The Silence of the Lambs, crime shows and prison dramas on TV, and the many unusual activities of humans – from head-to-toe tattoos, various sexual practices (e.g. bondage, discipline, sadism, and masochism – BDSM), and beliefs that space aliens live among us. But what exactly is deviance? This is not an easy question to answer (a reason that we have an entire course on deviance – SOC 443). The simplest explanation is that it is something that violates a social norm – the rules by which we all live. Some norms are informal, such as respecting your elders and covering your mouth when you sneeze; others are formal, including the many rules and laws that govern our society. It is important to note that not all deviance is criminal. For example, someone who believes in Satan may be considered deviant, but it is not illegal. And while most people consider illegal behavior to be deviant, this is not always the case: as of January 1, 2018, adult residents in California can use cannabis recreationally, but it is a violation of federal law to do so. For sociologists, the processes by which certain attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors are labeled deviant are as interesting as understanding what causes more “high consensus” deviance such as murder, rape, robbery, and theft. In this chapter, you will learn how sociologists study and explain different forms of deviance, including the interesting paradox of how those who are considered deviant actually help reinforce society’s values.

Course Learning Outcomes

· Understand the kinds of questions sociologists have typically addressed and the role sociology plays in contributing to our understanding of social reality.

· Understand the connection between the individual and society.

· Use the methods sociologists use to answer important questions about society.

· Use the sociological imagination to understand their role in making, maintaining, or changing society.

Chapter Theme

· Understand the impact and role of deviance in our society.

Weekly Learning Outcomes

· Understand the social forces that produce social deviance

· Understand the ways in which society attempts to control deviance

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