History and Social Science, Part 115
Question 1: Define labeling theory, primary deviance, and secondary deviance.
Answer 1: A labeling theory attempts to explain deviant behavior as the individual’s reaction to being identified within society as a deviant. Primary deviance is the act or acts that cause a person to be labeled by society as a deviant, and secondary deviance is whatever deviant acts are performed in response to being labeled a deviant. Labeling theory has led to the development of mediation programs, restitution and reparation arrangements, and even victim-offender forgiveness ceremonies. All of these hope to remove the shame and negative self-image from the former deviant. Some critics argue, however, that labeling theory is impractical and unable to properly assess repeated and violent crime.
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Question 2: Define subcultural deviance and deviant role.
Answer 2: A person exhibits subcultural deviance when he or she violates the prevailing norms of a society while adhering to the norms of a subculture within that society. In the United States, one might use the example of the punk subculture: punks flout the dress and behavior norms of mainstream American society, yet they adhere to a quite stable system of norms among themselves. A deviant role is one that has behavioral expectations that violate the values of the society of which it is a part. The proper performance of the role of murderer, for example, clearly contradicts the norms of any society that strives for nonviolence and respect for all its members. Individuals who identify with a deviant role typically have a much harder time reforming than those for whom deviance is not part of self-identity.
Question 3: Define intentional deviance, impulsive deviance, and stake in conformity.
Answer 3: Deviant behavior can be described as either intentional or impulsive. Intentional deviance is the result of a rational decision-making process. Such planned deviance is typically performed for reasons that make sense to the individual, and therefore is typically performed over a longer period than is impulsive deviance, which is deviant behavior stemming from some wild emotional state or personal trauma. Whereas most burglaries are acts of intentional deviance, most homicides are acts of impulsive deviance carried out in a moment of passion. An individual’s stake in conformity is the set of things he or she could potentially lose if caught engaging in deviant behavior. These are the things a person protects by adhering to the prevailing social norms.
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