Sociologists refer to deviance as a something that is outside the norm (Henslin, 2014). It doesn’t matter significant the difference is – just that it is not what is considered normal to others.
Concept of Deviance As stated in the textbook, “it is not the act itself but the reactions to the act, that make something deviant” (Henslin, 2014). If one didn’t consider what they saw/witnessed to be odd, grotesque, frightening, or inappropriate, they would consider it normal. It doesn’t matter how significant; just that it is different from what they consider normal. Years ago people thought that men and women should be married before they had sex or lived together which resulted in much gossip. People who dated outside their race were shunned and even retaliated against. Society felt that these people were deviant because they were …show more content…
If they excel at these, they receive positive praise and even rewards. If they do not excel, they can receive negative reactions such as being grounded or having privileges taken away.
Urban Gangs Assessment
In the context of the article, urban gangs are deviant because they commit crimes against society and facilitate getting drugs into the community. I do not believe that they are serving any function in society except to improve their own financial position by taking from others and instilling fear in others. However, for those that are part of the group, they feel a sense of community and belonging – that is their norm.
Conclusion
Deviance is believed to occur when someone doesn’t follow the order of what others believe in. Being deviant can result in warranted negative consequences in the case of crimes against society; unwarranted negative consequences in the case of people who are just different from others; and positive change when people embrace that people are different and accept the