SOC 1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: East Los Angeles College, Labeling Theory, Thomas Theorem
Document Summary
Causes the group"s members to close ranks, unite, and organize against a moral threat. Ambiguous acts of deviance help clarify for the group what it really does believe in. Teaches normal behavior by providing examples of rule violation and subsequent punishment. In some situations, tolerance of deviant behavior acts as a safety valve and actually prevents more serious instances of nonconformity. Can draw attention to and challenge legal, but unequal or unjust practices. Threat to the social order because it can make social life difficult, dangerous, or unpredictable. It can cause confusion about the norms and values of a society. To control widespread deviance, vast resources must be shifted from other social need. Ex. failure of the war on drugs, particularly marijuana. Sociological theories of deviance: focus on the influence of ongoing social or cultural factors in producing deviant behavior. Argues that deviant individual (criminals) are made through ongoing social/cultural factors that drive people to engage in deviant behavior.
