Dr. Rodriguez

Introduction to Sociology


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Unit 3 Lecture 3 Notes
Unit 3 Lecture 3: Sociological Theories of Deviance


Sociological theories of deviance search for social factors external that may lead to deviant behavior by individuals, that is, the focus is on the social environment and social circumstances. These theories are also concerned with the reactions of others to deviant behavior.

Structural-Functionalist theories of deviance--Emile Durkheim--deviance is normal, so why does it happen? What function does it serve?

  • reactions to deviance help clarify moral boundaries

  • deviance actually promotes conformity among the nondeviant

  • deviance increases solidarity among nondeviants

  • deviance promotes social change (such as through acts of civil disobedience)

  • (deviance may also promote re-evaluation efforts, a system check of sorts)

Robert Merton's strain theory:
In every society there are culturally defined goals and socially approved means for achieving the goals, especially in the economic arena. But in every society you can find strains between the culturally defined goals and socially approved means. This imbalance, Merton called anomie and illustrated this in a typology of adaptation.

Culturally defined goals: Culturally defined goals:
Accepts Rejects
Socially Approved Means:
Accepts Conformity Ritualism
Rejects Innovation Retreatism



Rebellion: new cultural goals and new means to achieve new goals


Symbolic Interactionist theories
the small group focus--look at everyday social interaction and meaning given in interaction

Edwin H. Sutherland's Differential Association Theory

  • deviance is learned the same way other behavior is learned through small group interaction and intercommunication

  • you learn the techniques of deviance and the attitudes and motivation justifying the deviant behavior

  • the differential association refers to the different amounts and types of involvement (variations in frequency, duration, priority, intensity, etc.)

  • often an longer-lasting associations have greater impact

  • associations that occur early in life are more influential

  • associations with persons held in high esteem are more influential

  • Differential association theory is suppose to explain strain situations left unanswered, like why do not all poor people turn to deviance, etc.