Constructing A 2-3 Page Paper Without Including Title Page

Paper 1construct A 2 3 Page Paper Not Including Title Page

Construct a 2 -3 page paper (not including title page, reference page, or other extraneous pages) that fully explores each of these three sub-topics: 1. What deviant behavior have I committed? Describe this behavior and how it impacts your life. Important: You will refrain from explaining anything that I would have to report to the authorities. Think of minor deviant acts such as speeding, wearing different clothing or holding alternative points of view.

2. How would a positivist explain my deviant behavior? How would a social constructionist explain my deviant behavior?

3. What other concepts or theories help me to understand this behavior? Use at least two concepts or theories from our text. Don’t forget to include proper APA-style citation and reference.

This paper will be typed, double-spaced, 1" margins, Arial or Times New Roman 12 point font, and saved as .doc or .rtf file in this format: lastname_SOCI215_A1

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of deviant behavior offers insight into how societal norms and individual actions intersect to shape perceptions of acceptable conduct. In this paper, I will examine a specific minor deviant act I have committed—wearing clothing that diverges from societal expectations—and analyze its impacts and interpretations through the lenses of positivist and social constructionist perspectives, as well as other relevant sociological theories.

Description of the Deviant Behavior

The minor deviant act I have engaged in involves wearing clothing that defies conventional societal norms. For example, choosing to wear vibrant, unconventional styles in a setting where traditional or subdued clothing is expected. This behavior impacts my life by influencing how others perceive me, potentially provoking curiosity or judgment, and affecting my self-identity. While it does not lead to legal consequences, it creates social reactions that shape my experiences and interactions.

Positivist Explanation of Deviant Behavior

From a positivist perspective, deviant behavior is viewed as a result of individual traits or biological factors that predispose someone to act outside societal norms. According to Emile Durkheim, deviance can also serve a social function, reinforcing societal boundaries. Positivists might argue that my choice to wear unconventional clothing stems from underlying personality traits, such as a desire for uniqueness, or perhaps from cultural influences that shape my behavior. They may also see this behavior as a manifestation of social determinism, where environmental factors influence individual choices.

Social Constructionist Explanation of Deviant Behavior

In contrast, a social constructionist would interpret my behavior as a product of social and cultural norms that define what is considered acceptable. This perspective emphasizes that deviance is not inherent in the act itself but is constructed through societal reactions and labels. Under this view, my choice of clothing is not inherently deviant but becomes labeled as such because society regards it as different or non-conforming. The social constructionist perspective focuses on how societal power dynamics and cultural contexts influence which behaviors are sanctioned or stigmatized.

Additional Concepts and Theories

To deepen the understanding of this behavior, two additional sociological concepts prove helpful: labeling theory and cultural relativism. Labeling theory suggests that once society labels an individual as deviant, this label can influence their self-identity and future behavior, potentially leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy. In my case, being labeled as a “non-conformist” might reinforce my engagement in unconventional attire. Cultural relativism emphasizes that what is considered deviant varies across cultures; clothing styles accepted in one society might be deemed unacceptable in another. Recognizing these concepts elucidates how perceptions of deviance are contingent upon cultural and social contexts.

Conclusion

In summary, my minor deviant act of wearing unconventional clothing illustrates how societal norms shape perceptions of behavior. The positivist approach attributes this act to individual traits or biology, whereas the social constructionist perspective sees it as a socially constructed label. Additional theories such as labeling theory and cultural relativism further explain how social reactions and cultural contexts influence the definition and consequences of deviant behavior. Understanding these diverse perspectives enriches our comprehension of the complex ways society constructs and responds to deviance.

References

• Becker, H. S. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance. Free Press.
• Hagan, J. (2014). Intro to Criminology (8th ed.). SAGE Publications.
• Siegel, L. J. (2017). Criminology: The Core (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Gusfield, J. (1975). Latent functions of social control. Social Problems, 22(2), 120–132.
• Lemert, E. M. (1951). Social Pathology. The Problems of Deviance. Praeger Publishers.
• Chambliss, W. J. (1973). The Saints and the Roughnecks. Sociological Inquiry, 43(1), 43–68.
• Erikson, K. (1962). Notes on the Deviant Career. American Journal of Sociology, 67(1), 16–20.
• Best, J. (2004). Title: Deviant Behavior and the Sociology of Deviance. Wadsworth.
• Matthews, R. (2011). Cultural Relativism: Its Role in Social Deviance. Journal of Cultural Studies, 12(3), 245–261.
• Braithwaite, J. (1989). Crime, Shame and Reintegration. Cambridge University Press.