Sociological perspectives on deviance

Sociological perspectives on deviance The term deviance is used by sociologists to refer to behaviour which changes, in some way, from a social norm. In this respect, it is clear that the idea of deviance refers to a violation of social norms and refers to rule breaking behaviour. Deviance refers to those actions which go against the norms, values and beliefs of ordinary culture. For example, drinking alcohol at the age of 16. In relation to deviance, the idea relates to all kinds of rule-breaking which involves such things as murder, theft, rape or wearing unsuitable clothing for a given social situation. Many sociologists have given their own definition of deviance. Some sociologist conceive of deviance as a collection of conditions, persons or acts that society disvalue (Sagarin, 1975, 9) There are various perspectives in Sociology such as the functionalist theories and Karl Marxist theories which asks different questions and focuses on different issues regarding deviance. In order to answer the question above it is n ecessary to outline and discuss the sociological perspectives on deviance. I will be discussing the main perspectives of deviance throughout sociology. Functionalism is defined as a Framework that conceptualises society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability (Macionis and Plummer, 1997. p. 19-20).Functionalism has grown through the work of many sociologists including Durkheim and later on by Brown and Merton, The works of these sociologists was based on a biological scientific model called organic system-comparison of social operations to that of a living organism (Giddens, 2001.16) Functionalist theorists, including Durkheim, state crime as having a social role. Others, including Merton, state the strain between socialized aims and reality as the true cause of crime. Functionalist Emile Durkheim believed that societies are held together by shared values and economic dependence. He thinks that society would crumple if principles are not passed from one generation to another. A vital function of society is the preservation of its values, which is done through education and religion. The concept of anomie was introduced by Emile Durkheim which suggested that In modern societies, traditional norms and standards become undermined without being replaced by new ones. (Giddens, 2009, 941). This is the breakdown of society, and will lead to social disorder, deviance and violence. Durkheim also argues that deviance is useful and necessary in society. It helps to strengthen the consensus of values, norms and behaviour of the majority non-deviant population, through the idea of anger at crime which reinforces social solidarity. Other theorists, including Erikson who argues that influential groups within any society are able to impose their views upon the maj ority by a process of ideological manipulation. The excitement generated by the crime quickens the tempo of interaction in a group and creates a climate in which the private sentiments of many people are fused into a common sense of morality.(Bean, 2003, 24). However, Robert Merton criticised Durkheims idea of anomie as being unclear. Merton argued that anomie is a state where the socially approved goals of society are not available to a significant amount of the population if they followed socially approved means of obtaining these goals. According to Merton, people turned to deviance in this state because there is anxiety between what people have socialised to want and what they are able to achieve through legitimate means. Robert Merton, who also accepted the view of functionalists who believed that society, must have certain features to survive. He argues that both goals and constraints on behaviour are socially based, and that desires are socially copied, from socialisation, into cultural goals such as work-related status or financial achievement. Mertons theory on deviance, which is known as the Strain Theory, is a development of Durkheims ideas of anomie and culture. Anomie, in Mertons perspective, can occur when people are not capable to follow the main norms within a society.Some individuals adapt by becoming ritualises, conforming to society norms without any expectations of achieving them. (Clinard, 2001, 5) Merton argues that individuals are socialized into wanting success, wealth, status and power. When they are unable to achieve this, it results in a strain between what we want, and what we can get. One possible response to the strain theory is deviance through innovation (deviant and crimin al behaviour resulting to crime), retreatism (backing out of socially desirable behaviour, for example, alcoholics, drug addicts), Ritualism (ignoring goals of society) and rebellion (rejection of goals and means, but an attempt to replace them with alternative values). Mertons analysis on deviance suggests that deviant behaviour is efficient. First, for the people involved, it allows them to adjust to the situation in which they find themselves in. Merton sees these responses as useful to the society as they help to release the anxiety, therefore maintain the social system stability. However, Merton was criticised by Valier, amongst others, for his importance on the continuation of a common goal in society. Valier argues that there are a range of goals that people struggle to attain at any one time Feminist approach have also criticised functionalism for not explain on conflict, also not considering it to be an integral part of the social world (Dominelli, 1997. p.17). Feminist also argues that this supports and explains structures which have a tendency to be male dominated and in so ignoring the past and women contributions to the society. In conclusion, it can be argued that Functionalist theories do certainly go a long distance in justifying the reasons for Deviance. However, it is overly deterministic in the view of society and the way in which it shapes and forms human behaviour. However, it should argued that Functionalist theories are useful in explaining and deviance, In terms of civil theories or triangulation and procedural pluralism to stable out the problems and challenges linked with Functionalist theory. Sub cultural theories on deviance were developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s from the Albert Cohen and Richard Cloward. They stressed that people respond to forces which are outside to them. This therefore leads them to behave in different ways. Their behaviour is explained by social causes. Sub cultural theorists have tried to seek the causes of these differences. Subculture theories claim to have recognized break downs in the social order. These break downs are seen to be rectifiable by dissimilar types of social engineering e.g. Social reform, social welfare and education. According to interactionist theories of deviance, they make fundamental ideas of deviance in terms of there being no such as deviant act. They place firm importance on reaction. Interactionist put forward useful idea such as labelling, self-fulfilling prophecy, and mortification and primary and secondary deviance. They are significant of the functionalist and subculture theories of deviance. Interactionists argue that human action is original. Humans create roles in relation to and adjustment to others. American Sociologist Edwin Lemert, argues that public reaction is a cause of deviance. Lemert starts by explaining between primary and secondary deviance. Primary deviance is deviance before it is openly labelled; it has a number of likely causes and is not worth looking at given that the samples are unfair and it has no impact on the individual, therefore it does not strain status or activities. The general factor among deviants, argues Lemert, is the process of labelling. The public response to the deviant leads to secondary deviance, the response of the deviant to public labelling. Lemert claims that secondary deviance should be the focal point of study because of its result on the individual. The vital idea is that societal reaction can in fact cause deviant behaviour. The Labelling theorists are another approach in sociology which views the point of seeing deviance from the view of the deviant individual. They claim that when a person becomes known as a deviant, and is expected to have deviant behaviour, it is to do with the way they have been labelled, as the deviant act they are said to have committed. The labelling theory realises that certain acts labelled as deviant are more than likely to be carried out by certain types of people. If society labels a person as a criminal or as deviant there is much evidence that this label sticks with the person to the extent that he believes that they are deviant. So to satisfy society they carry out the role of a deviant to the degree that they are fitting in with what they observe is their role in life or in the society. This makes a great impact on their life, as they need someone to help them to see that they are not deviant or a criminal. If a person becomes a criminal then society need to recognise this and help the person to overcome this, by offering support or counselling to make it aware to the person that this behaviour is not acceptable and if they continue it will lead to them not achieving. However the main criticism of labelling theory is that it is deterministic, and that it makes the person as if they were not human, which then leads to certain behaviour by the act of labels being given to it, and following behaviour patterns as a result of behaviour patterns that go with it.. The Marxist approach has been one of the most vital approaches in explaining deviant behaviour. They mostly base their ideas and theories on how the powerful people control the society which influences how the society works today. The definition of deviance from a Marxist perspective is a conflict between powerful and less powerful groups. Definitions of deviance then emerge from class conflicts between powerful groups and less powerful groups. (Clinard, 2002, 118) Marxists believes that working class males of a younger age commit most crime mainly due to the media which emphasize ideas of greed into people. Therefore, results in a materialistic capitalist system that may force working people of a lower class to commit crime as they have a lower income and may not be able to afford certain equipment such as clothes like the rest of the society. Marxism criticizes a capitalist society where by the productions are owned by the ruling class and the lower class. The bourgeoisie are the ruling class, whilst the proletariats are seen as the lower class. The bourgeoisie act as a societies ruling class. The proletariats, on the other hand, fill the ranks of the ruled end of society. (Clinard and Meier, 2008, 77) The idea of deviance came when Marx attempted to look for something in the world that caused conflicts. He found it in the idea of class struggle. Throughout the past, we have fought against each other for the control of food, shelter, money. Marxists mainly focus on the class distribution and empathises that the ruling class control the norms and values of the society. Therefore, it will not be classed as deviant unless the bourgeoisie say so. The bourgeoisie will only class deviant unless it is committed by a working class person. However, the Marxist approach in terms of explaining deviant behaviour is only consistent to some degree. Along with the challenges from other perspectives, it shows that improvements can be added to their ideas. Marxists mostly focuses on the class distribution and argue that they the ruling class manage the norms and values of the society. It will not be classed as deviant if the bourgeoisie say so and they will not say so if a working class person commits it. Finally In conclusion to sociological perspectives of deviance, they all give an account of some explanation to deviance and give their point of view. However, it varies depending on the various approaches. For an act to be thought to as deviance it varies from place to place and from time to time

Research Questions, Objectives and Hypothesis

Research objectives are the goals of the research study. Research objectives specify the reason researchers are conducting research. For example, researchers may want to better understand the difference in pain scale results among subjects with a diagnosis of moderate traumatic brain injury. In this case the research objective would cause researchers to take steps to conduct scientific analysis to determine the variations in pain experienced between a group of individuals without a diagnosis of TBI and a group of individuals with TBI.The research objective is to determine if there is a difference in perceived pain levels among patients with a diagnosis of moderate traumatic brain injury as compared with individuals without a diagnosis of moderate traumatic brain injury. The objective is the reason researchers are conducting the research. Farrugia et al. cites Hayes in saying when formulating a research objective it is essential to know â€Å"where the boundary between current knowle dge and ignorance lies. † (Farrugia 2010).Understanding the missing component among previously conducted research and current observations is a key component when formulating a research objective. Research questions are the questions asked in order to achieve the objective. According to Farrugia et al. , an effective research question should â€Å"specify the population of interest, be of interest to the scientific community and potentially to the public, have clinical relevance and further current knowledge in the field† and be compliant with current ethical standards (Farrugia et al. 2010).The study authors further suggest using the FINER criteria in order to develop an effective initial research question. This delineates the research question into several component parts to analyze in detail the efficacy of the research question and if, among all the available or visible possible questions, the question chosen is the most effective research question to guide the stud y. For example, according to Jackson, a research question may state â€Å"do science majors score higher on intelligence tests then students in the general population† (Jackson 2011).This question guides the course of the research study and guides researchers in setting up the study effectively and accurately. It is important, throughout the course of research, to ensure that additional questions do not cloud the initial research question (Farrugia et al. 2010). This requires a focus on the original research question and the ability of researchers to set aside additional questions that may arise for later research studies.A research hypothesis or alternative hypothesis is the hypothesis which researchers â€Å"want to support that predicts a significant difference exists between the two groups being compared† (Jackson 2011). For further description, Farrugia et al. describes the research hypothesis a hypothesis developed â€Å"from the research question and then the m ain elements of the study — sampling strategy, intervention (if applicable), comparison and outcome variables — are summarized in a form that establishes the basis for testing, statistical and ultimately clinical significance† (Farrugia et al.2010).The research hypothesis differs from the null hypothesis and sets the course of the study, the study details and types of measures used during the study. Jackson provides an example of a research hypothesis being derived from an initial research objective when a researcher wants to illustrate that children who attend educationally-based after school programs have higher IQ scores compared to children who do not attend educationally-based after school programs.The alternative hypothesis in this case would be that the researcher wants to prove that children who attend educationally-based after school programs have higher IQ scores. In order to accomplish this, because of the nature of proving and disproving facts and the impossibility of proving the truth of the hypothesis through statistics, the researcher would have to construct a null hypothesis â€Å"the hypothesis predicting that no differences exists between the groups being compares† (Jackson 2011).In this case the null hypotheses would perhaps say that children who attend academically-based after school programs have the same IQ scores as children who do not attend such programs. This would then allow the researcher to attempt to disprove the null hypothesis using inferential statistics to reject the null hypothesis, which in turn would mean the research or alternative hypothesis, is potentially supported by the data gathered by the researcher. Another important consideration is weather the hypothesis will be one-tailed or two-tailed.A one-tailed hypothesis is an hypothesis â€Å"in which the researcher predicts the direction of the expected difference between the groups† (Jackson 2011). A two-tailed hypothesis is â€Å"an al ternative hypothesis in which the researcher predicts that the groups being compared differ but does not predict the direction of the difference. † Whether one-tailed or two tailed (Jackson 2011) the hypothesis gives credence to the research and provides the schema on which researchers build their research study. Research Questions, Objectives and Hypothesis Research objectives are the goals of the research study. Research objectives specify the reason researchers are conducting research. For example, researchers may want to better understand the difference in pain scale results among subjects with a diagnosis of moderate traumatic brain injury. In this case the research objective would cause researchers to take steps to conduct scientific analysis to determine the variations in pain experienced between a group of individuals without a diagnosis of TBI and a group of individuals with TBI.The research objective is to determine if there is a difference in perceived pain levels among patients with a diagnosis of moderate traumatic brain injury as compared with individuals without a diagnosis of moderate traumatic brain injury. The objective is the reason researchers are conducting the research. Farrugia et al. cites Hayes in saying when formulating a research objective it is essential to know â€Å"where the boundary between current knowle dge and ignorance lies. † (Farrugia 2010).Understanding the missing component among previously conducted research and current observations is a key component when formulating a research objective. Research questions are the questions asked in order to achieve the objective. According to Farrugia et al. , an effective research question should â€Å"specify the population of interest, be of interest to the scientific community and potentially to the public, have clinical relevance and further current knowledge in the field† and be compliant with current ethical standards (Farrugia et al. 2010).The study authors further suggest using the FINER criteria in order to develop an effective initial research question. This delineates the research question into several component parts to analyze in detail the efficacy of the research question and if, among all the available or visible possible questions, the question chosen is the most effective research question to guide the stud y. For example, according to Jackson, a research question may state â€Å"do science majors score higher on intelligence tests then students in the general population† (Jackson 2011).This question guides the course of the research study and guides researchers in setting up the study effectively and accurately. It is important, throughout the course of research, to ensure that additional questions do not cloud the initial research question (Farrugia et al. 2010). This requires a focus on the original research question and the ability of researchers to set aside additional questions that may arise for later research studies.A research hypothesis or alternative hypothesis is the hypothesis which researchers â€Å"want to support that predicts a significant difference exists between the two groups being compared† (Jackson 2011). For further description, Farrugia et al. describes the research hypothesis a hypothesis developed â€Å"from the research question and then the m ain elements of the study — sampling strategy, intervention (if applicable), comparison and outcome variables — are summarized in a form that establishes the basis for testing, statistical and ultimately clinical significance† (Farrugia et al.  2010).The research hypothesis differs from the null hypothesis and sets the course of the study, the study details and types of measures used during the study. Jackson provides an example of a research hypothesis being derived from an initial research objective when a researcher wants to illustrate that children who attend educationally-based after school programs have higher IQ scores compared to children who do not attend educationally-based after school programs.The alternative hypothesis in this case would be that the researcher wants to prove that children who attend educationally-based after school programs have higher IQ scores. In order to accomplish this, because of the nature of proving and disproving facts and the impossibility of proving the truth of the hypothesis through statistics, the researcher would have to construct a null hypothesis â€Å"the hypothesis predicting that no differences exists between the groups being compares† (Jackson 2011).In this case the null hypotheses would perhaps say that children who attend academically-based after school programs have the same IQ scores as children who do not attend such programs. This would then allow the researcher to attempt to disprove the null hypothesis using inferential statistics to reject the null hypothesis, which in turn would mean the research or alternative hypothesis, is potentially supported by the data gathered by the researcher. Another important consideration is weather the hypothesis will be one-tailed or two-tailed.A one-tailed hypothesis is an hypothesis â€Å"in which the researcher predicts the direction of the expected difference between the groups† (Jackson 2011). A two-tailed hypothesis is â€Å"a n alternative hypothesis in which the researcher predicts that the groups being compared differ but does not predict the direction of the difference. † Whether one-tailed or two tailed (Jackson 2011) the hypothesis gives credence to the research and provides the schema on which researchers build their research study.

The Tried and True Method for Substance Abuse Essay Topics in Step by Step Detail

The Tried and True Method for Substance Abuse Essay Topics in Step by Step Detail Stigma is understood to be a sign of shame or discredit and its influence on the individual already struggling with substance abuse makes them reluctant to find help or admit they have an issue. For many others, however, substance use can be an effort to escape from problems in their lives and has much more significant consequences. The usual notion of drug abuse is it contributes to negative impacts in the human body and thinking of the individual involved. What began as a voluntary choice has become a bodily and mental need. Drug abuse like cocaine and heroin, together with alcohol abuse can not just boost a person's anger. however, it can aggravate unresolved emotions and be a revolving door to additional alcohol and drug abuse as a coping mechanism. Also, the majority of the drug abusers turn into criminals in a try to look for money they would utilize to purchase the drugs. Methadone and b uprenorphine are occasionally used in the treatment of opiate addiction. Repeated drug use can alter the brain and result in addiction. Drug overdose may also induce death. Drugs change the brain in ways which make quitting hard, even for people who need to. Nearly all drugs of abuse may also create a phenomenon called tolerance, in which one must use a bigger sum of the drug to generate the exact degree of intoxication. Substance abuse can result in the extra stress of losing your work, your loved ones, a decrease in finances, legal troubles, a decline in health and the list continues on. Individuals with low levels of cognitive distortion might be more apt to choose more adaptive procedures of coping with social issues, thereby potentially reducing the danger of drug usage. To change a behavior like substance abuse the combined effects of the surroundings and a person's attitudes have to be assessed and evaluated. It is very important to treat both problems. Now you have answered every one of the questions, you will want to score your answers. There are a few recommendations about how to decide on an adequate topic which will satisfy a crucial reader. A list of resources associated with the content is contained in each module. Think of the subject above. In terms of long-term effects of child abuse, it is nearly not feasible to register them. For today's young individuals, drug abuse among youths is a developing problem. Treating substance abuse is dependent on both the individual and the substance used. Chemical and alcohol substance abuse is rising in teenagers. The Number One Question You Must Ask for Substance Abuse Essay Topics Such young men and women will often arrive at the interest of the school. They abuse substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs for varied and complicated reasons, but it is clear that our society pays a significant cost. A lot of people don't understand why or how other men and women become hooked on drugs. When it has to do with drugs, individuals perceive them as the absolute most negative contemporary trend. While the particular statistics regarding substance abuse in the USA are quite overwhelming, what also proves to be very stunning is the simple fact that although the U.S. has been proven to expend the most amount of money fighting the sale and application of illicit drugs, the country has among the greatest rates of drug use in the worldwide community. Substance abusers change jobs more frequently, and this also becomes an additional expense as a result of time necessary to train replacements for the employee you lose. It's straightforward to establish, use and manage, which means that your company can concentrate on what really matters. Issues to think about in substance abuse treatment might be related to the form of program, but in addition the philosophy of the program. Child abuse is known to be one of the most important issues which drive an interest of the country. VA made it less difficult to get assist. Type of Substanc e Abuse Essay Topics The degree of drug abuse in america has increased a lot hence resulting in the creation of whether some drugs ought to be legalized in the nation or not. The urge for the substance will continue to increase and the individual will have to consume more quantities of the drug to reach the exact same state of pleasure. Social issues are almost always topical since they define the degree of the mankind development. Stress is part of life and there's no way to entirely avoid stress, but what links stress and substance abuse is largely as a result of inability of the person to deal with a rise in stress. Moreover, drug abuse is harmful as it promotes the spreading of damaging diseases through drugs which need to be injected directly within the body. There are a number of substances that may be abused or misused, all which have dangerous health implications. Many drugs lessen inhibitions and boost the likelihood that someone will take part in risky behavior. Wh en drugs and alcohol are mixed together, they will probably cause a severe physical behavioral and wellness complications. You might need to quit using, but you truly feel powerless. For Instance, drug use doesn't alter the circumstance. If you have any questions regarding your drinking or drug usage, learn more about treatment choices. There's direct and indirect pressure that may influence somebody's decision in using drugs. The impacts of chemical substances vary based on the user, the sum used, and the explanations for being used. Some believe using illegal substances is deemed dangerous and, thus, abusive. Many substances can bring on withdrawal effects due to cessation or reduction in the sum of the substance used. The most frequently encountered chemical substance that's abused by pop musicians is cocaine, due to its neurological outcomes.

Alphonse Mucha Life, Works and Legacy - 2845 Words

Analysis on Alphonse Mucha Life, Works, and Legacy Alphonse Maria Mucha is one of the most prominent artists of the 20th Century, belonging to the Art-Nouveau genre. He is of Slavic origin, born in IvanÄ ice, Moravia (presently part of the Czech Republic), on the 24th of July, 1860. A prominent artist of his era and time, his highly influential works are noted by its very soulful design approach and aesthetics. His works are amongst the best examples of Art-Nouveau, as well as modern Czech art. He is influenced by his ethnic origins as well as his personal idea of art and beauty, giving his works a highly personal touch. He is a pioneer for the Czech nationalist identity and is a strong figure in Czech Revivalist movement, a man who is devoted into glorifying his homeland by presenting to the world the Czech culture through his highly successful commercial and artistic works, which are more prominent on the second half of his career. A more in-depth discussion regarding his life and an evaluation of his works will be presented furt her. Page of Contents Introduction 2 Page of Contents 3 Background 4 Moravia 4 The Slavic Peoples 5 Personal Life 7 Mucha’s Works 9 Characteristics of his Paintings 9 Division 10 Commercial 10 Artistic 12 The Slav Epic 13 Conclusion: The Effects of Mucha’sShow MoreRelatedNew Imagery Of The Modern World1953 Words   |  8 Pagesimagery of women was very apparent in the movement. The artist arose with the beginning of art nouveau, and the theatrical posters designed by Alphonse Mucha, which are often heralded as the beginning of the movements popularity. This woman is defining by her subtle seductive aura. The woman became a face of the movement, as is present in many works, by Mucha, as well as many other artist of the time, such as Lautrec and Klimt. The femme nouveaux further represents the move away from tradition. SheRead MoreEssay about Summary of History of Graphic Design by Meggs14945 Words   |  60 Pagespictures were combined to communicate information. - Eventually, Papyrus was used for funerary purposes. - The majestic Egyptian culture survived for over 3000 years. Hieroglyphics, papyri, and illustrated manuscripts are its visual communications legacy. Chapter 2: Alphabets - The hundreds of signs and symbols required by cuneiform were replaced by 20 or 30 easily learned signs. - The creation of the alphabet may have been an act of geography. - The oldest known examples of the Early or Old