A 750-Word Paper Using APA Standards That Includes Discussio

A 750 Word Paper Using APA Standards That Includes Discussion Of The F

A 750-word paper using APA standards that includes discussion of the following: Describe an example of a television program that you believe clearly displays social deviance, and explain why you specifically selected it. In this television program, how are people “labeled” as socially deviating from the expected social norms, and who does this labeling? Analyze the deviance, using terms such as primary deviance, secondary deviance, retrospective labeling, and stigma. Apply Durkheim’s four functions of deviance to the deviant actions in the television program. What purpose(s) does the deviance play?

Paper For Above instruction

Television is a powerful medium that often reflects societal norms and values, while also highlighting deviations from those norms. One particularly illustrative example of social deviance is the television series Breaking Bad. This show depicts the criminal activities of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing methamphetamine after being diagnosed with cancer. The series vividly portrays various forms of deviance, making it an apt example for analyzing social labeling, deviance concepts, and Durkheim’s functions of deviance.

I selected Breaking Bad because it intricately explores the boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable behavior within society. Walter White’s transformation from a law-abiding citizen to a criminal illustrates the complex process of social labeling and deviation. The show demonstrates how societal reactions and labels influence individual identity and behavior, highlighting the social construction of deviance. The criminal acts depicted, such as drug manufacturing and distribution, are clearly outside societal norms and laws, making it a compelling case for examining deviance through sociological theory.

In Breaking Bad, individuals are labeled as socially deviant primarily through reactions from law enforcement, societal norms, and community members. The government agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), directly label Walter White and other characters involved in drug trafficking as criminals. Society also labels Walter as a “bad guy,” a “drug dealer,” and a “villain,” which influences how others perceive and interact with him. These labels are not only imposed externally but also internalized by the characters themselves, impacting their self-identity.

The labeling process in the series exemplifies the concept of primary and secondary deviance. Walter’s initial act of cooking meth to secure his family’s financial future could be seen as primary deviance—an isolated act that does not initially define his identity. However, as his involvement in illegal activities intensifies and societal reactions increase, he undergoes secondary deviance. Society’s labels as a criminal strengthen his own perceptions of being deviant, which in turn reinforces his criminal behavior. This cyclical process underscores how societal reactions can escalate deviance.

Retrospective labeling is also evident in the series, as characters and society reinterpret past actions in light of new deviant behaviors. For example, Walter’s initial motivation is framed as a desperate attempt to provide for his family, but over time, society retrospectively views his past actions as morally wrong and socially dangerous. The stigma attached to his criminal activities isolates him from normal social interactions and further solidifies his deviant status. This stigmatization demonstrates how labels persist and influence social relationships.

Durkheim’s four functions of deviance offer a valuable lens through which to analyze the role of deviance in Breaking Bad. Firstly, deviance clarifies societal norms by highlighting boundaries; Walter’s actions challenge the legal and moral norms, prompting society to reaffirm its standards through punishment and condemnation. Secondly, deviance promotes social cohesion by uniting society against common threats or wrongdoers, as seen in the community’s collective outrage and the law enforcement’s pursuit of Walter. Thirdly, deviance can encourage social change; in the series, the depiction of criminality and its consequences sparks discussions about drug policies and morality. Lastly, deviance acts as a safety valve by allowing individuals to express discontent or explore behaviors outside societal norms in a controlled manner, exemplified by Walter’s initial secretive actions that eventually lead to significant societal and personal upheaval.

Overall, Breaking Bad embodies various aspects of social deviance, illustrating how labels are applied and reinforced, and demonstrating the sociological functions that deviance serves within society. The show’s portrayal of Walter White’s transformation reveals the complex interplay between individual agency and societal reaction, highlighting how deviance can reinforce norms, foster social cohesion, and inspire societal reflection and change.

References

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