Definition Of Deviant Behavior Often Depends Upon History

Definition Of Deviant Behavior Often Depends Upon Histor

Instructions A definition of deviant behavior often depends upon historical circumstance. What was considered deviant a generation or two ago may not be considered deviant at all today. This assignment is an examination of our historical definitions of deviant behavior. Thoroughly discuss one example of behavior that was considered deviant 50 years ago, but today, is considered conventional or normal. Why is this behavior now considered normal? Using sociological theories and concepts from the course readings, and your own research, explain what changes in society have led to the acceptance of this once deviant behavior. Next, thoroughly discuss one example of a behavior that was considered acceptable 50 years ago, but today is considered deviant. Why is this behavior now considered deviant? Using sociological theories and concepts from the course readings, and your own research, explain what changes in society have led to the rejection of this once acceptable behavior. Conclude your paper with a prediction: what is one well-known deviant behavior exhibited today that may be considered acceptable in the future? Explain in detail why you think this behavior will be considered acceptable in the future. What is one well-known acceptable behavior exhibited today that may be considered deviant in the future? Explain in detail why you think this behavior will be considered deviant in the future. Your essay should be 3-4 pages double spaced (not including your cover page and reference page). Please make sure to use academic sources to validate your discussion. Please format your paper in APA style formatting.

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of deviant behavior is fluid and heavily influenced by societal norms, values, and historical context. As societies evolve, behaviors once stigmatized may become normalized, and vice versa. This paper explores two contrasting examples of societal attitudes toward behavior over the past fifty years and offers predictions about future perceptions, supported by sociological theories and research.

One notable example of a behavior that was considered deviant five decades ago but is now widely accepted is homosexuality. In the 1970s, homosexuality was classified as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association and categorized as deviant behavior due to prevailing societal prejudices and religious beliefs. Over time, however, shifts in societal attitudes, legal reforms, and advances in scientific understanding contributed to the normalization of homosexuality. The liberalization of laws, such as the decriminalization of same-sex acts in many countries, and the acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights have fostered a societal shift that reframed homosexuality from deviance to a natural variation of human sexuality.

Sociological frameworks like Symbolic Interactionism shed light on this transformation. This perspective emphasizes how social interactions and collective meanings shape behaviors' definitions. As LGBTQ+ communities gained visibility and advocacy, societal perceptions transitioned from viewing homosexuality as immoral to recognizing it as a normal aspect of human diversity. Additionally, Functionalist theory suggests that the integration of LGBTQ+ individuals contributes to societal stability by expanding the norms of acceptance and inclusion, thus reducing social tension linked to previous stigmatization.

Conversely, an example of a behavior once accepted but now considered deviant is smoking tobacco in public spaces. Fifty years ago, smoking was widespread and often encouraged or permitted in restaurants, workplaces, and social gatherings. Cigarette smoking was regarded as glamorous and was embedded in popular culture, contributing to its social acceptability. However, increased awareness of the health risks associated with smoking, including lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases, significantly shifted societal attitudes. Public health campaigns, scientific research, and legislation banning smoking in enclosed spaces have drastically altered perceptions.

Sociological theories such as Conflict Theory help explain this change. Conflict theorists argue that as scientific evidence highlighted the harms of smoking, public health interests and corporate interests clashed. Activism and policy changes reflected societal efforts to protect public health from corporate influence and harmful behaviors. The stigmatization of smoking increased as society recognized the destructive health impacts, leading to the decline of its social acceptance.

Looking into the future, a behavior today that may become acceptable is the use of recreational cannabis. Currently, many regions have legalized or decriminalized cannabis; societal attitudes are shifting toward viewing it as a medicinal or recreational substance rather than a dangerous drug. Sociologists suggest that as scientific research continues to demonstrate medical benefits and as social narratives evolve, cannabis use could become a normalized behavior, akin to alcohol consumption. This change might be driven by decreasing stigma and recognition of individual autonomy within liberal societal values.

Conversely, a currently accepted behavior that may be considered deviant in the future is the usage of social media, particularly in extreme or obsessive ways. While social media is a ubiquitous part of modern life and broadly accepted today, future societal perceptions may change if excessive use begins to be linked with negative mental health outcomes, social isolation, or unethical behaviors like cyberbullying or misinformation. Sociological analysis indicates that social norms adapt based on societal consequences; if negative impacts outweigh benefits, behaviors like excessive social media usage could be redefined as deviant.

In conclusion, societal perceptions of behaviors are dynamic and shaped by cultural, scientific, and political developments. While some behaviors shift from deviant to normal or vice versa, understanding these changes through sociological theories allows for a nuanced comprehension of societal evolution. Predicting future attitudes involves consideration of current trends and societal values, recognizing that what is deemed acceptable or deviant is subject to change.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Becker, H. S. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the sociology of deviance. Free Press.
• Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identity. Prentice-Hall.
• Link, B. G., & Phelan, J. C. (2001). Conceptualizing stigma. Annual Review of Sociology, 27, 363–385.
• Lazarus, R. S. (1991). Emotion and adaptation. In P. M. S. T. (Ed.), Emotion and adaptation. Guilford Press.
• Contemporary sociology textbooks (latest editions).
• Public health reports on smoking effects (latest).
• Research articles on societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ communities.
• Studies on legalization and societal perception of cannabis use.
• Research on future societal trends regarding mental health and technology use.