Social Deviance Theory

Social deviance is a sociological term describing undesirable social behavior. Through the understanding of deviance and how it impacts society, sociologists have developed theories intended to predict, explain and potentially resolve aberrant behavior.

Function

• Social deviance is defined as any behavior that violates the social norms within a culture or greater community. This behavior can be criminal but does not necessarily need to violate a law to qualify. Criminal acts such as theft or assault are common types of social deviance, but so are incidental behaviors like lying, excessive drinking or nose picking. The theory of social deviance is the foundation of the study of criminology and splinters into three classes of deviant behavior: conflict, structural functionalism and symbolic interactionism.

Theories/Speculation

• The conflict theory, rooted in the theories of Karl Marx, views deviance as a by-product of oppression and the personal quest for material gain. British sociologist A. R. Radcliffe-Brown developed the structural-functionalism theory, a perspective on deviance linking the established social structure to individual development of accepted social behaviors. The symbolic interactionism theory is considered a major perspective on social deviance formed by German sociologist and economist, Max Weber, and the American philosopher, George H. Mead. The four theories of symbolic interactionism indicate a subjective rather than structural explanation of deviance. They include: differential association, neutralization, labeling and control.

Differential Association Theory

• American sociologist Edwin H. Sutherland is credited with the theory of differential association. His work suggests that criminal behavior is learned in interaction with other deviants. Through association and communication with deviant personalities, an individual can learn the motives and methods for criminal activity. The theory places emphasis on the impact of peer relationships on the determination toward or away from social deviance.

Neutralization Theory

• Gresham Sykes and David Matza's theory of neutralization indicates rationalization is used as a means to justify deviant behavior. By denying injury from the offense, hinting at victim guilt or provocation or appealing to an existing superior relationship for sympathy, an individual will attempt to neutralize deviance in an effort to make the injustice appear acceptable. This theory indicates an individual can use these tactics to distance the self from emotional or physical consequences, making it easier to commit a criminal or undesirable act.

Labeling Theory

• Sociologist Harry Becker developed the theory of labeling. Labeling studies the development of stereotype and how if affects personal interpretation of what is acceptable based on the role an individual has been assigned by society. According to this theory, the classification of deviance is given by a larger social network and can be subject to interpretation from one group to the next. Further, the theory asserts that using a label to define a person or behavior is potentially harmful to someone trying to develop positive behavior after committing a criminal offense.

Control Theory

• Sociologist Travis Hirshi's control theory directly contradicts the differential association theory by emphasizing control as playing a larger role in whether an individual will choose to commit a deviant act. Hirshi uses the models of self-control and conscience as predictors of behavior. According to Hirshi, a person who has all of her needs met will not choose to engage in criminal activity, regardless of the external influence of a peer group.