Theories of deviance
Why do people break rules? Each sociological perspective gives a different answer.
Functionalist theories
Durkheim argued that deviance is functional: punishing it clarifies norms and unites the community, and some deviance drives social change. Robert Merton's strain theory says deviance happens when people accept society's goals, such as wealth, but lack legitimate means to reach them. They may innovate (crime), ritualistically follow rules without hope, retreat, or rebel.
Conflict theories
Conflict theorists ask who makes the rules and who gets punished. Laws often reflect the interests of powerful groups, and poorer people and minorities are more likely to be arrested and imprisoned for similar behaviour. Differences in sentencing for different forms of the same drug have been cited as examples.
Interactionist theories
Labelling theory says deviance is created when a label is applied. Primary deviance is a minor first act; if a person is labelled 'delinquent', they may accept the label and commit secondary deviance, building an identity around it. Edwin Sutherland's differential association theory says people learn deviance from those around them, just as they learn conformity.
Flashcard
Deviance arises when goals and legitimate means don't match
Check your understanding
A student caught shoplifting once is labelled a 'thief' by teachers and peers and begins to see himself that way, committing more thefts. This illustrates: