The document discusses deviant behavior, defining it as actions that violate societal norms and values, and explains the concepts of primary and secondary deviance. It explores various classifications and theories of deviance, including biological, psychological, conflict, and Merton's structural strain theory, while providing examples and identifying individuals at risk of developing such behaviors. Additionally, it outlines the labeling theory and justifications for deviant behavior.

1. What deviant behavior
entails.
Sociology classes.
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2. DEVIANT BEHAVIOR
• This refers behavior that violates the social norms and values shared by most
people in a particular culture or social setting.
• Norms and Sanctions
Sanctions are applied by society to reinforce social norm, Can be
formal or informal
Laws are norms defined and enforced by governments. Crimes are
acts that break laws
• Crime: a violation of official, written criminal law
• Is all deviance crime?
• Is all crime deviant?
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3. CLASSIFICATION OF DEVIANT
BEHAVIORS
primary deviance; this refers to the behavior that violates
a social norm but that does not affect one’s sense of self
secondary deviance; norm violation that is a response to the problems
caused by the societal reaction to primary deviance.eg community response
to the rapist.
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4. EXAMPLES OF DEVIANT BEHAVIORS
• These include the following:-
Strikes
Suicidal tendencies
Homosexuality/lesbianism
Murder
Stealing
Drug abuse
Prostitution
Rebellions
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5. PEOPLE AT RISK OF DEVELOPING
DEVIANT BEHAVIOR
Alcoholics
Street kids
Prostitutes
Government officials
Bankers
Students
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6. THEORIES OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR
The Biological theory
These try to link biological factors with deviant behavior such as Some studies link
physical characteristics to delinquency. Aggression is connected to
factors present at birth
No decisive evidence that any personality traits are inherited
Functionalists
Argue that deviance serves a positive social function by clarifying moral
boundaries and promoting social cohesion
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7. Cont.
Psychological Theories
• Look at individual development, personality traits to explain deviance
• Individualistic explanations
Conflict theorists
Believe that a society’s inequalities are reproduced in its definitions of
deviance, so that the less powerful are more likely to be criminalized.
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8. Cont.
Merton’s structural strain theory
Argues that the Individuals who occupy favorable positions in the class structure
have legitimate ways to achieve success. Those who occupy unfavorable positions
lack such means. The goal of financial success combined with the unequal access to
resources creates deviance.
Merton’s 4 Types of Deviance
1. Innovators:
• Accept the culturally validated goal of success but find deviant
ways of going about reaching it.
• Embezzlers, bank robbers, drug dealers, corporate criminals,
crooked politicians 4/6/2016Racheal 8

9. Cont.
2. Ritualists:
• Reject the importance of success once they realize they will never achieve it. Remain within the
labor force but refuse to take risks that jeopardies their job security.
3. Retreatists:
• Pull back from society.
• Drug and alcohol addicts who can no longer function, street people
4. Rebels:
• Reject the goals of what to them is an unfair social order and the means of achieving them.
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10. Cont.
Labeling theory
Claims that deviance is a consequence of external judgments, or labels, which both
modify the individual’s self-concept and change the way others respond to the
labeled person.
• Labeling theory is also related to the idea of the self-fulfilling prophecy, which is
a prediction that causes itself to come true.
Symbolic Interactionist
Theories of deviance focus on how interpersonal relations and everyday interactions
shape definitions of deviance and influence those who engage in deviant behavior.
Differential association theory
States that we learn to be deviant through our associations with deviant peers.4/6/2016Racheal 10

11. HOW TO JUSTIFY DEVIANT BEHAVIOR
Denial of responsibility.
Denying the injury.
Denial of the victim.
Condemnation of the authorities.
Appealing to higher principles or authorities.
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12. REFERANCE:
• Introduction to sociology by Robert Wonser
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