Essay about Theories that Explain Deviance - 930 Words

Deviance is a behavior, trait, belief, or other characteristic that violates a norm and causes a negative reaction in a group. The definition of deviance varies widely across cultures, time, and situations. Some of the different deviances that our culture encounters is: body modifications, being overweight, exc. I personal have experienced being treated as devein because since high school to now in collage I have had a mohawk off and on. This is nothing to extreme when talking about the world of deviance but none the less it is an experience that has changed my view on how people are judged. When sociologists use the word deviant, they are making a social judgment but never a moral judgment. If a particular behavior is considered†¦show more content†¦The Differential association theory states we learn to be deviant through our relations with deviant people. Labeling theory says that deviance is a consequence of outside decisions, or labels, which equally change the person’s self-concept and change the way others react to the labeled person. Labeling theory is also linked to the impression of the self-fulfilling prophecy, which usually is defined by a label that causes the situation to come true. All of these theories are quite interesting and point different views on deviance and can make you better understand people around you. Stigma is a term that Erving Goffman’s came up with and is defined as a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on ones reputation. We have all met or at least have seen someone with a stigma and have noticed that even if it is untrue it becomes true to that person. One strategy analyzed by Goffman that stigmatized individuals use to negotiate everyday interaction is called passing, or concealing the stigmatizing information. Many people have what Goffman called an in-group orientation, where the stigmatized people follow a direction away from mainstream society and towards a new standards that value their groups’ identity. Finally, others choose deviance avowal, a process by which an individual self-identifies as deviant and initiates his or her own labeling process. It is always a good thing to try to change the cultures point of view on stigmatized peopleShow MoreRelatedDeviance Theory Analysis Essay1564 Words   |  7 PagesDeviance Theory Analysis - Id entify Deviance for situations and explain Within any given society, individuals are expected to behave and or conduct themselves in a given acceptable manner. However, there are instances when particular individuals act contrary to the set standards and violate the cultural norms. Such acts may include acts of crime, theft, defiance, breaking of rules, and truancy just to mention a few. 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