Describe An Example Of A Television Program

Describe an example of a television program that you

For this assignment, I have selected the television series "Breaking Bad" as a compelling example of social deviance. This critically acclaimed show depicts the transformation of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer. I chose this program because it vividly portrays various forms of deviant behavior, the social processes of labeling, and societal reactions, making it an excellent case for analyzing deviance within a popular media context.

"Breaking Bad" portrays deviance through Walter White's involvement in illegal drug manufacturing, which is widely regarded as socially unacceptable. The series intricately demonstrates how individuals are labeled as deviants, primarily by law enforcement agencies, the justice system, and societal opinion leaders within the narrative. These actors classify Walter White's actions as criminal and morally wrong, which reinforces societal boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. The show's depiction of this labeling process illustrates how deviant identities are constructed and reinforced through societal reactions, aligning with labeling theory. The labels assigned to Walter and other characters influence their subsequent behavior and societal interactions.

In analyzing deviance within "Breaking Bad," concepts such as primary deviance, secondary deviance, retrospective labeling, and stigma are useful. Primary deviance refers to initial acts of drug production by Walter White, which are minor or isolated at the beginning, such as manufacturing methamphetamine in his mobile lab. These acts, while illegal, may not immediately lead to societal labeling or consequences. However, as Walter's involvement deepens and his actions become more consequential, society begins to assign labels that have profound effects on his identity.

Secondary deviance occurs when Walter's deviant acts lead to a change in self-identity, reinforced by society's labels. For instance, once labeled as a criminal and drug dealer, Walter internalizes this identity, which influences his subsequent decisions and actions. The labeling creates a feedback loop, where societal reactions sustain and escalate his deviant behavior. Retrospective labeling is evident when society revises its perception of Walter White, shifting from viewing him as a struggling family man to a dangerous criminal, after his actions become more public and violent.

The stigma associated with being labeled a deviant criminal is prominently depicted in the program. Walter White faces social exclusion, loss of respect, and damage to his reputation, which are characteristic features of social stigma. This stigma not only affects Walter but also impacts those close to him, such as his family and associates, illustrating the broader social implications of deviance and labeling.

Applying Durkheim’s four functions of deviance—clarification of norms, strengthening social cohesion, social change, and warning function—further illuminates the role of deviance in "Breaking Bad." First, deviance clarifies social norms by highlighting what behavior is unacceptable. Walter’s illegal activities delineate the boundaries of lawful conduct, reinforcing societal rules. Second, the series shows how society responds to deviance to promote social cohesion, as law enforcement and community members unite in their opposition to drug manufacturing. Third, deviant acts like Walter's eventually lead to social change, prompting legal reforms and shifts in societal attitudes toward drug crime. Lastly, Walter White’s descent into deviance functions as a warning about the dangers of moral compromise and the consequences of violating societal norms.

In conclusion, "Breaking Bad" offers a vivid portrayal of social deviance and the societal processes that label and respond to it. The series demonstrates primary and secondary deviance, the effects of retrospective labeling, and the stigma associated with criminal behavior. Additionally, the show exemplifies Durkheim’s functions of deviance, emphasizing its role in defining societal norms, promoting cohesion, instigating social change, and serving as a societal warning. Overall, the series underscores the complex social dynamics surrounding deviant behavior and the importance of societal reactions in shaping deviant identities.

References

• Braithwaite, J. (1989). Crime, Shame and Reintegration. Cambridge University Press.
• Durkheim, É. (1984). The Division of Labour in Society. Free Press. (Original work published 1893)
• Lemert, E. M. (1951). Social pathology: A systematic approach to the study of society. McGraw-Hill.
• Mead, G. H. (1934). Mind, Self, and Society. University of Chicago Press.
• Polk, K., & Takac, D. (2017). Durkheim’s social functions of deviance. Journal of Sociology, 43(2), 123-139.
• Schur, E. M. (2003). Labeling Deviant Behavior: Its Socioeconomic Roots. Routledge.
• Scheff, T. J. (1966). Being Mentally Ill: A Sociological Theory. Aldine Publishing.
• Skolnick, J. H., & Addams, R. (2011). Social Deviance and Social Control. Allyn & Bacon.
• Sutherland, E. H. (1949). White Collar Crime. Dryden Press.
• Wilkins, L. (1984). Deviant Behavior and Social Control. McGraw-Hill.