Section Overview
This section delves into the multifaceted concept of deviance in society, exploring its various forms and how it interrelates with societal norms. Deviance, as any behavior deviating from societal norms, presents a wide spectrum, ranging from culturally specific habits to serious criminal acts. The crucial role of deviance in society, as both a regulator and challenger of societal norms, is explored, along with its transformative potential in effecting societal change. The section distinguishes between non-criminal and criminal forms of deviance, each attracting different societal responses and sanctions. It further underscores the cultural relativity of deviance, showing how behaviors considered deviant in one culture may be norms in another. The fluid and subjective nature of deviance, its measurement, and its perception through societal reactions or “social controls” are also discussed. Lastly, the section examines the use of statistical measures in understanding deviance, emphasizing their usefulness and limitations.
Reading Assignment for Section 5.1
Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 5.1: Introduction to Deviance.
What You Will Learn
In this section, you’ll explore the concept of deviance, its various forms, and its relationship with societal norms. You’ll recognize the role of deviance in regulating societal norms and its potential for societal change. Additionally, you’ll differentiate between non-criminal and criminal forms of deviance and understand their respective societal responses and sanctions.
Student Learning Outcomes for Section 5.1
- SLO 1: Understand the concept of deviance, its various forms, and its relationship with societal norms.
- SLO 2: Recognize the role of deviance in regulating societal norms and its potential for societal change.
- SLO 3: Differentiate between non-criminal and criminal forms of deviance and their respective societal responses and sanctions.
- SLO 4: Appreciate the cultural relativity of deviance, acknowledging the impact of societal and cultural contexts on perceptions of deviance.
- SLO 5: Evaluate the use of societal reactions and statistical measures in understanding and measuring deviance, acknowledging their limitations and potential biases.
Modification History File Created: 05/07/2023 Last Modified: 06/26/2023
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This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.
