What is deviance?

- Deviance is the recognized violation of cultural norms. Norms guide almost all human
activities, so the concept of deviance is quite broad.
- What deviant actions or attitudes, whether negative or positive, have in common is
some element of difference that causes us to think of another person as an “outsider” .
 Especially righteous people also might be called “deviant”.
 “Different” or “unexpected” to describe deviance from a sociological perspective.
Example: People stealing from a campus bookstore or people who are overly
enthusiastic about new computer technology are both considered deviant objects.
- Not all deviance involves action or even choice. The very existence of some categories
of people can be troublesome to others.
Example: Some whites, the mere presence of people of color may cause discomfort.

Social Control
? What is social control? Formal and informal control?
- Social control is Encouragement of conformity to norms.

Formal social control Informal social control

Written down Unwritten norms and values
Based on laws and official rules Based on that are learned through
socialization (social identity and group
pressure).

enforced by the government or other Requires the person's self-identity is heavily

authorities invested in group membership

Produce conformity through some Losing group approval or membership would

promise/threat of institutionalized be heavy blow to self-identity, self-esteem,
reward/punishment self-worth, etc.

Big groups, formal organizations, Effective in small group settings, primary

group, especially family, friends,
neighborhood, work group, etc.

Examples of formal social control are police, Examples of informal social control are
courts, prisons, regulations, etc. Formal family, friends, peers, religion, culture, etc.
social control is often imposed, punitive and Informal social control is often voluntary,
repressive. rewarding and .

Explanations for Deviance

 Biological theories Psychological theories

Focus on individual abnormality Focus on individual abnormality

Explain human behavior as the result of See deviance as the result of “unsuccessful
biological instincts socialization”

? What the definition of social deviance? Functions of Social Deviance

- Social deviance
- According to Structural-Functional Theories about Functions of Social Deviance:
 Deviance affirms cultural values and norms.
 Responding to deviance clarifies moral boundaries
 Responding to deviance brings people together.
 Deviance encourages social change.
 Durkheim claimed that deviance is a necessary element of social organization, serving
several important functions.

Labeling Theory
The main contribution of symbolic-interaction analysis is labeling theory, the idea that
deviance and conformity result not so much from what people do as from how others
respond to those actions.
Labeling theory stresses the relativity of deviance, meaning that people may define the
same behavior in any number of ways.
- One category of deviance is crime, the violation of a society’s formally enacted criminal
law
Crime is the violation of criminal laws enacted by a locality, a state, or the federal
government. All crimes are composed of two elements: the act itself (or in some cases, the
failure to do what the law requires) and criminal intent (in legal terminology, mens rea, or
“guilty mind”).
Deviance and Inequality: Social-Conflict Theory Based on Karl Marx’s ideas, social-conflict
theory holds that laws and other norms operate to protect the interests of powerful
members of any society
I. Introduction to Social Stratification
A. Definition and Overview
Social stratification is a concept that refers to the ways in which societies are structured
hierarchically based on factors such as wealth, power, and status.
It is a pervasive and persistent feature of social life, present in almost all societies, past and
present.
B. Different Forms of Social Stratification
Caste systems: social stratification based on birth or ancestry, typically found in India and
other parts of South Asia.
Class systems: social stratification based on socioeconomic status, typically found in Western
societies.
Racial or ethnic hierarchies: social stratification based on race or ethnicity, found in many
societies worldwide.
C. Social Mobility
Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals to move up or down the social hierarchy.
There are different types of social mobility, including intergenerational mobility (movement
between social classes across generations) and intragenerational mobility (movement within
a person's own lifetime).
Factors that influence social mobility include education, social class background, and access
to resources.
D. Sociological Theories of Social Stratification
Structural-functionalism theory suggests that social stratification is necessary for the
functioning of society, as it ensures that the most qualified individuals hold the most
important positions.
Conflict theory suggests that social stratification is a result of competition for resources and
power between different groups in society.
Symbolic interactionism theory suggests that social stratification is based on the meanings
and symbols that people attach to different social positions.
Example: An example of social stratification is the caste system in India. This system divides
people into different social classes based on their birth and ancestry. The highest caste, the
Brahmin, is made up of priests and scholars, while the lowest caste, the Dalit or
"untouchables," are often subject to discrimination and social exclusion. Despite efforts to
abolish the caste system, it remains a pervasive feature of Indian society. The caste system is
an example of social stratification based on birth or ancestry.
II. Social Class and Inequality
A. Defining Social Class
Social class is a system of stratification based on an individual's social and economic position
in society.
It is often measured by factors such as income, occupation, education, and wealth.
Social class can impact an individual's access to resources, opportunities, and power in
society.
B. Theoretical Perspectives on Social Class
Functionalist Perspective
The functionalist perspective views social class as a necessary component of society that
helps to ensure that individuals with the most skill and talent occupy the most important
positions in society.
It argues that social class is necessary for the functioning of society because it motivates
individuals to work hard and achieve success.
Conflict Perspective
The conflict perspective views social class as a system that benefits the wealthy and
powerful at the expense of the poor and powerless.
It argues that social class perpetuates inequality and maintains the status quo.
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
The symbolic interactionist perspective views social class as a social construct that is created
and maintained through interactions and socialization.
It argues that social class is based on perceptions and interpretations of individuals' social
and economic status.
C. Social Class and Inequality
Social class can lead to inequality in access to resources, opportunities, and power in
society.
This can manifest in areas such as education, healthcare, housing, and employment.
Social class can also impact an individual's social mobility, with individuals from lower social
classes often having fewer opportunities to move up the social ladder.
D. Social Class and Poverty
Poverty refers to the condition of having inadequate resources to meet basic needs such as
food, shelter, and clothing.
Poverty is often linked to social class, with individuals from lower social classes more likely
to experience poverty.
Poverty can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including poor health, limited educational
opportunities, and reduced access to resources and opportunities.
Example: An example of social class and inequality is access to quality healthcare.
Individuals from higher social classes may have greater access to quality healthcare due to
factors such as higher income, better health insurance, and social connections. This can lead
to better health outcomes and greater opportunities for success in life, perpetuating social
stratification. Conversely, individuals from lower social classes may have limited access to
quality healthcare, which can lead to poorer health outcomes and reduced opportunities in
life, reinforcing social stratification.
III. Race, Gender, and Sexuality
A. Defining Race
Race refers to a social construct that categorizes individuals based on physical characteristics
such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features.
Race is a socially constructed concept, meaning that it is not based on biological differences,
but rather on social and cultural norms.
B. Theoretical Perspectives on Race
Functionalist Perspective
The functionalist perspective views race as a necessary component of society that helps to
ensure social order and stability.
It argues that race is necessary for the functioning of society because it allows individuals to
identify with and belong to particular groups.
Conflict Perspective
The conflict perspective views race as a system of power and privilege, with dominant
groups maintaining their power and privilege at the expense of subordinate groups.
It argues that race perpetuates inequality and conflict in society.
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
The symbolic interactionist perspective views race as a social construct that is created and
maintained through interactions and socialization.
It argues that race is based on perceptions and interpretations of physical characteristics.
C. Defining Gender
Gender refers to the social and cultural roles, behaviors, and expectations associated with
being male or female.
Gender is a socially constructed concept, meaning that it is not based on biological
differences, but rather on social and cultural norms.
D. Theoretical Perspectives on Gender
Functionalist Perspective
The functionalist perspective views gender as a necessary component of society that helps
to ensure social order and stability.
It argues that gender is necessary for the functioning of society because it allows for the
division of labor and specialization.
Conflict Perspective
The conflict perspective views gender as a system of power and privilege, with men
maintaining their power and privilege at the expense of women.
It argues that gender perpetuates inequality and conflict in society.
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
The symbolic interactionist perspective views gender as a social construct that is created
and maintained through interactions and socialization.
It argues that gender is based on perceptions and interpretations of behaviors and
expectations associated with being male or female.
E. Defining Sexuality
Sexuality refers to an individual's sexual orientation, preferences, and behaviors.
Sexuality is a socially constructed concept, meaning that it is influenced by social and
cultural norms.
F. Theoretical Perspectives on Sexuality
Functionalist Perspective
The functionalist perspective views sexuality as a necessary component of society that helps
to ensure social order and stability.
It argues that sexuality is necessary for the functioning of society because it allows for
reproduction and the continuation of the human species.
Conflict Perspective
The conflict perspective views sexuality as a system of power and privilege, with
heterosexual individuals maintaining their power and privilege at the expense of LGBTQ+
individuals.
It argues that sexuality perpetuates inequality and conflict in society.
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
The symbolic interactionist perspective views sexuality as a social construct that is created
and maintained through interactions and socialization.
It argues that sexuality is based on perceptions and interpretations of an individual's sexual
orientation, preferences, and behaviors.
Example: An example of race, gender, and sexuality intersecting is the wage gap experienced
by women of color. Women of color, particularly Black and Latina women, experience a
larger wage gap compared to white men and women. This wage gap is the result of the
intersection of race and gender, with women of color facing both gender and racial
discrimination in the workplace. This example illustrates how social categories such as race,
gender, and sexuality can
IV. Global Stratification
A. Defining Global Stratification
Global stratification refers to the unequal distribution of resources, wealth, and power
among nations and regions of the world.
It is a product of historical and current economic, political, and social systems that have
created and perpetuated inequalities between countries.
B. Theoretical Perspectives on Global Stratification
Modernization Theory
Modernization theory argues that global stratification is the result of economic
development, and that underdeveloped countries can achieve economic growth and catch
up to developed countries by adopting modern economic and political systems.
Dependency Theory
Dependency theory argues that global stratification is the result of historical and current
patterns of economic and political domination by developed countries over underdeveloped
countries.
It argues that underdeveloped countries are dependent on developed countries for
resources and trade, which perpetuates their poverty and underdevelopment.
World-Systems Theory
World-systems theory argues that global stratification is the result of a global capitalist
system in which developed countries benefit from exploiting underdeveloped countries for
resources and labor.
It argues that the world is divided into a core of developed countries and a periphery of
underdeveloped countries, with a semi-periphery of countries in between.
C. Patterns of Global Stratification
High-Income Countries
High-income countries are typically developed countries with high levels of economic
development, political stability, and technological advancement.
Examples of high-income countries include the United States, Canada, Japan, and much of
Western Europe.
Middle-Income Countries
Middle-income countries are typically countries that are in the process of developing
economically and politically.
Examples of middle-income countries include China, Brazil, and Mexico.
Low-Income Countries
Low-income countries are typically underdeveloped countries with low levels of economic
development, political instability, and poor health and education outcomes.
Examples of low-income countries include Haiti, Somalia, and Afghanistan.
D. Consequences of Global Stratification
Poverty and Inequality
Global stratification perpetuates poverty and inequality, with underdeveloped countries
facing greater poverty and inequality than developed countries.
Health and Education
Underdeveloped countries face greater health and education disparities compared to
developed countries.
Poor health outcomes and limited access to education perpetuate the cycle of poverty and
underdevelopment.
Environmental Degradation
Global stratification contributes to environmental degradation, with developed countries
consuming more resources and producing more pollution compared to underdeveloped
countries.
This has a significant impact on the global environment and exacerbates the effects of
climate change.
Example: An example of global stratification is the distribution of wealth and resources
between developed and underdeveloped countries. Developed countries, such as the
United States, Canada, and much of Western Europe, have significantly more wealth and
resources compared to underdeveloped countries, such as Haiti, Somalia, and Afghanistan.
This inequality perpetuates poverty and underdevelopment in underdeveloped countries, as
they are dependent on developed countries for resources and trade. This example illustrates
how global stratification is perpetuated by historical and current economic and political
systems, and has significant consequences for the well-being of people and the environment
around the world.
V. Social Conflict and Inequality
A. Defining Social Conflict and Inequality
Social conflict refers to the struggle between different groups for resources, power, and
status within a society.
Inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, wealth, and power within a
society.
B. Theoretical Perspectives on Social Conflict and Inequality
Marxian Theory
Marxian theory argues that social conflict and inequality are the result of the struggle
between the bourgeoisie (the owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (the
working class).
It argues that capitalism is the source of social conflict and inequality, as the bourgeoisie
benefit from exploiting the labor of the proletariat.
Weberian Theory
Weberian theory argues that social conflict and inequality are the result of the struggle for
social status and prestige.
It argues that social class, status, and power are intertwined, and that social conflict and
inequality result from the unequal distribution of these resources.
Intersectionality
Intersectionality argues that social conflict and inequality are the result of the intersection
of multiple systems of oppression, including race, gender, sexuality, and class.
It argues that individuals experience social inequality and conflict differently based on their
intersecting identities.
C. Forms of Social Conflict and Inequality
Economic Inequality
Economic inequality refers to the unequal distribution of wealth and resources within a
society, and is often the result of the exploitation of the working class by the wealthy and
powerful.
Political Inequality
Political inequality refers to the unequal distribution of power and influence within a society,
and is often the result of the domination of the political system by the wealthy and
powerful.
Cultural Inequality
Cultural inequality refers to the unequal distribution of cultural resources, such as education
and media, within a society.
It is often the result of the dominant culture promoting its values and beliefs at the expense
of marginalized cultures.
D. Consequences of Social Conflict and Inequality
Social Fragmentation
Social conflict and inequality can lead to social fragmentation and division, as different
groups struggle for resources and power.
Violence and Conflict
Social conflict and inequality can lead to violence and conflict, as marginalized groups resist
their oppression and struggle for their rights.
Injustice and Discrimination
Social conflict and inequality can perpetuate injustice and discrimination against
marginalized groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and
the working class.
Example: An example of social conflict and inequality is the struggle between the wealthy
and powerful and the working class in capitalist societies. Marxian theory argues that this
conflict is the result of the exploitation of the working class by the bourgeoisie, who benefit
from the labor of the working class. Economic inequality, political inequality, and cultural
inequality are all forms of social conflict and inequality that result from this struggle. This
example illustrates how social conflict and inequality can lead to social fragmentation,
violence, and injustice, and has significant consequences for the well-being of individuals
and society as a whole.