What does it mean to say, “deviance is socially defined?”Deviance is defined as, “The recognized violation of cultural norms.
” Deviance is an act of rebellion against set of rules, and expected behavior established by a certain society. Deviance is defined in many different ways. It is depended on the norms of the society, and region. Individuals become deviant when people label their actions as deviance. It depends on how that certain society defines deviance on individuals.
The establishment of rules, and breaking rules in society is determined by strong social powers. This event leads to social inequality in society. “The Saints and the roughnecks”, are an example to labeling individuals as deviants, and it shows how social power causes inequality. Deviance appears in all likes of society. Deviance has many meanings to unconformity on a cultural norm. It depends on that the state of society, and its region.
Prostitution is a profession that has existed since the beginning of society. Prostitution is viewed as a sleazy way of making money. The United States outlaws this profession, because it degrades females. Yet it is legal, and accepted in the city of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Residents in Nevada view prostitution, as any other job. Individuals become deviants when society decides to call the acts deviance. It is a labeling process put on the person. An example of deviant behavior would be the teen youth wearing baggy attire. Baggy attire is related to gangs, which in turn makes a person view teens that wear baggy attire to be a troublemaker. As a result it puts a stigma on the teen, which causes the teen to accept it, and then becomes a deviant individual.
Rules are created and broken by people who have strong social powers, and ties. Dan White an ideal view of the American dream, got away with murder. Dan White had strong social ties with his community and supporters. He murdered Harvey Milk, who is a homosexual, and the Mayor. Harvey Milk had many opposing social forces against him.
Dan White broke many rules for the murders. Dan is viewed as a hero to the anti-gay community. It was his social ties, and power that gave him his lenient verdict. “The Saints and the Roughnecks”, presents how society labels certain individuals as deviants because of their social class status. The Saints were boys who came from an upper social class setting. The social conflict paradigm says, “Upper class individuals tend to abstain from committing deviant acts.
” The Roughnecks came from a lower class, therefore giving them a bad impression. Both groups broke many rules, and were juvenile delinquents. The saints were viewed as good boys, while the Roughnecks were view as bad boys. The difference was the social class setting.
The wealthier group had more power, and respect giving them a better image. Society views groups in poverty as deviants-to-be. Deviance has many meanings. It depends on the culture, and the region where it is located.
Different cultures have many different views of deviance. There is no correct, or ideal view of deviance in a society. Everyone in society has committed a deviant behavior. To be labeled as a deviant, society must define what is right and wrong. Placing stigmas on individuals will make the person accept the negative feedback, which in turn will cause them to become a deviant.
People who have strong social ties, and support will control society. These people can make and break laws, without worrying about consequences. Social power involves a strong social class status. “The Saints and the Roughnecks”, are two groups which both committed deviant acts.
One group is viewed better’ because of their social status. The Rich will always be viewed as more respected and valiant, then a group in poverty. Inequality is a result of deviance in society. This issue prompts society to become more alert of the problem, which causes social change.
