Create A PowerPoint Presentation With Slide Notes

Create A Powerpoint Presentation With Slide Notes Your Presentation S

Create a PowerPoint presentation with slide notes. Your presentation should include the components provided below. Discuss each of the theories (differential association theory and anomie theory), and share how the current society within the United States reflects a certain level of each theory in terms of biological and psychological behaviors. Discuss the influence of each theory and the role of social structure in the creation of deviance. Your presentation should be a minimum of 12 slides in length, not counting the title and reference slide(s). Use a minimum of three resources; you may use as many resources as necessary to fully present your position. Resources selected should be no more than 10 years old. Adhere to APA Style when constructing this assignment, including in-text citations and references for all sources that are used.

Paper For Above instruction

The sociological theories of deviance provide vital frameworks for understanding criminal behavior and societal reactions. Two prominent theories that elucidate the roots and manifestations of deviance are the differential association theory and the anomie theory. Analyzing how contemporary American society reflects these theories through biological, psychological, and social lenses offers insight into the complexities of deviance and social control.

Introduction

Deviance encompasses behaviors that violate societal norms, and understanding its origins is essential for effective social policy and criminal justice. Sociological theories such as the differential association theory, proposed by Edwin Sutherland, and Émile Durkheim's anomie theory, help explain how societal structures influence individual behavior. This presentation explores these theories, their relevance to current U.S. society, and the role of social structures in fostering deviance.

Differential Association Theory

The differential association theory posits that deviance is learned through interactions with others who promote or condone criminal behaviors (Sutherland & Cressey, 1978). It emphasizes the importance of social environment in shaping attitudes and behaviors toward crime. According to this perspective, individuals exposed to environments where criminal behavior is normalized are more likely to adopt similar behaviors.

In contemporary society, this theory manifests in various ways. For example, youth who are immersed in peer groups involved in drug trafficking or gang activity tend to internalize deviant norms (Matsueda & Heimer, 2017). Social media also plays a role, as exposure to certain messages can influence beliefs about illicit activities.

Biological and psychological behaviors linked to this theory include impulsivity and risk-taking tendencies, which are often reinforced within deviant peer groups. The social learning process thus becomes a significant factor in deviant behavior formation.

Anomie Theory

Emile Durkheim's concept of anomie describes a social condition characterized by a breakdown of social norms, leading to normlessness and increased deviance (Durkheim, 1897/1951). Robert Merton further expanded on this idea, suggesting that societal structures impose goals and prescribe legitimate means to achieve them; when these are incongruent, individuals may resort to deviance (Merton, 1938).

Modern American society exhibits signs of anomie through economic inequality, unemployment, and the erosion of social cohesion. These conditions can cause individuals to feel disconnected from societal expectations, resulting in criminal behavior such as theft, drug abuse, and violence as alternative means of achieving success or coping with frustrations.

Biological and psychological responses to anomie include feelings of alienation, hopelessness, and stress—factors that can predispose individuals to engage in deviant acts.

Influence of Theories on Contemporary Society

The differential association theory explains crime proliferation in neighborhoods with high crime rates and peer influence, emphasizing the role of social environment in perpetuating deviant norms. Similarly, the anomie theory ties societal structural issues like inequality and unemployment to increased deviance, highlighting how societal strain fosters crime.

The role of social stratification is central; marginalized groups exposed to persistent poverty and social exclusion are more vulnerable to adopting deviant behaviors, as prescribed by both theories. This suggests that addressing social inequalities could reduce deviance.

Biological and Psychological Behaviors

Biologically, genetic predispositions and neurochemical factors may influence susceptibility to deviance, though these are often mediated by environmental factors (Raine, 2002). Psychologically, traits such as impulsivity and aggression can predispose individuals to criminal acts, especially when reinforced through learned behaviors or social strain.

Understanding these factors underscores the importance of holistic approaches that consider both biological predispositions and social influences.

The Role of Social Structure in Deviance

Social structure—that is, the organization of society including social classes, economic systems, and institutions—significantly impacts deviance. Structures that promote inequality and limit access to legitimate opportunities often create conditions conducive to deviant behavior (Agnew, 2006).

Policies aimed at reducing economic disparity and strengthening social cohesion can mitigate some pathways to deviance, aligning with the insights provided by both differential association and anomie theories.

Conclusion

Understanding the roots of deviance through the lenses of differential association and anomie theories offers valuable perspectives on the social influences shaping criminal behavior in the United States. Addressing the societal conditions that foster or inhibit deviance requires a multifaceted approach, integrating social reform with efforts to change individual behaviors and perceptions.

By recognizing the role of social structures and learned behaviors, policymakers and practitioners can develop more effective strategies to reduce crime and promote social cohesion.

References

• Agnew, R. (2006). Pressured into Crime: An Overview of General Strain Theory. Oxford University Press.
• Durkheim, E. (1951). Suicide: A Study in Sociology (J. A. Spaulding & G. Simpson, Trans.). Free Press. (Original work published 1897)
• Matsueda, R. L., & Heimer, C. (2017). The Social Development of Crime. Annual Review of Sociology, 43, 451–468.
• Raine, A. (2002). Biosocial Views of Violence. Development and Psychopathology, 14(2), 255–276.
• Sutherland, E., & Cressey, D. (1978). Principles of Criminology. Lippincott.
• Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672–682.