Defining and Explaining DevianceThis week, you are exploring different ways we can define and explain deviance. Deviance can be defined and explained differently depending on which approaches we use.House Representative John Lewis passed away in summer 2020 at age 80. He was a Civil Rights leader and activist and had devoted his life to making positive social change and ending racism and hate. His quote on activism has become very famous:”Never ever be afraid to get in good trouble, necessary trouble” – Rep. John LewisWhen I think of this, I am reminded of Durkheim’s ideas on what is considered deviance and crime as normal. Durkheim’s view that all functioning societies need deviance is something that always crosses my mind. I am also pulled to the idea of positive deviance of Heckert & Heckert’s, The impact of labeling theory as well as Control Theory. I think it is interesting that the more we are connected to the culture, society and people around us the more we have to lose and the people who have the least to lose, will have more likelihood to deviate. If we can communicate, talk and engage with people around us, does this then help reduce acts of deviance especially violence? Many times the people who commit the most negative actions view themselves as loners, what if we could connect more, would that matter?Now find your own example of the deviance definitions and theories from Modules 1 and 2! Here are the three tasks for your group discussion:Step 1:Find a quote, photo, song, poem, cartoon, graph, drawing or the like that resonates with you about social deviance. Or feel free to share an experience where you got into “good trouble.” If you are creative and would like to share something that you have made, please feel free to do that as well. This is very open to your interpretation and what you would like to share with us when thinking of deviance and how it is defined and explained. Please find a nuanced example rather than posting anything offensive for shock value. We’re more interested in discussing how we can see many different attitudes, behaviors, and conditions as deviant or not depending on the situation or context.Do not post anything offensive; if you are posting something that may be sensitive for some people (such as the subject matter or explicit language), please post a disclaimer at the top of your reply to call this out for others in your group.Step 2:Post your quote, image, song, poem, or the like and explain how it fits with the concepts and approaches from Adler & Adler’s Parts 1 and 2 by thoroughly discussing and describing concepts from the Module 1 and 2 required textbook article readings. Explain the concepts and theories in your own words and cite them in the sentences where you use them (article author, article #).For instance, analyze Heckert & Heckert’s ideas on types of deviance, Durkheim’s suggestions on deviance and social change, Becker’s labeling theory, Hirschi’s control theory, Sutherland and Cressey’s differential association, Merton’s strain theory, and the like. How can you look at various approaches to study and explain your example? Which theories resonate more or less with you and why?Step 3:Make sure to be active, and engaged and responsive to your peers on YellowDig as this will make getting the points easier. Also, be respectful. Conflict in Civility is fine. It is okay to speak with people who disagree, you may actually learn more! However, do so from a academic place of interest and respect.
