For This Discussion, You Must Read Chapter 6 Of The Text Int
For This Discussion You Must Read Chapter 6 Of The Textintroduction
For this discussion, you must read Chapter 6 of the text, Introduction to Sociology: 06 Socialization, the article, The Anomie Tradition: Explaining Rates of Deviant Behavior, Durkheim's classic contribution, and the Anomie theory reading from Key Perspectives in Criminology, found in the ebrary database. After reading the required resources, explain why Emile Durkheim alleges that if we did not have deviants, we would create them. In other words, Durkheim is making an argument that having a group of people society considers deviant serves broader functions for society. What are these functions? Support your answer with detailed examples. Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length.
Paper For Above instruction
Emile Durkheim, a foundational figure in sociology, profoundly articulated the functional necessity of deviance within society. According to Durkheim, deviant behavior is not merely an anomaly to be eradicated but a vital aspect of social organization that ensures social cohesion and stability. He argued that if society were to eliminate all forms of deviance, it would inadvertently undermine the very mechanisms that promote social cohesion, thereby compelling society to produce or define deviant types to maintain social balance.
One core function of deviance, as Durkheim posited, is that it clarifies and reinforces societal norms. Deviant acts bring to light the boundaries of acceptable behavior, prompting collective reactions that reaffirm societal values. For instance, laws against theft or violence not only penalize specific acts but also delineate moral boundaries, reinforcing what society considers right and wrong. When a theft occurs, society collectively condemns it, reaffirming the importance of property rights and safety, thus strengthening social cohesion through shared moral outrage.
Furthermore, deviance fosters social change. Durkheim acknowledged that some acts labeled as deviant could challenge outdated norms, prompting societal adaptation and progress. For example, social movements advocating for civil rights often challenge established laws or norms, viewing them as unjust. Such acts, initially perceived as deviant, can lead to legislative reforms and shifts in social attitudes, thereby facilitating societal evolution.
Deviance also has a boundary-maintaining function, helping to reinforce social cohesion by defining what is not acceptable and promoting conformity among the majority. It provides a "dysfunctional" yet essential role in maintaining the social fabric. For instance, publicly condemning hate crimes not only punishes the wrongdoer but also signifies a collective disapproval, thus reinforcing societal solidarity.
Durkheim’s thesis underscores that even acts deemed morally or socially unacceptable serve essential functions by upholding societal norms, fostering social change, and reinforcing collective identity. Without deviance, society would struggle to define itself and maintain cohesion, risking stagnation and disintegration of social bonds.
References
- Durkheim, E. (1897). Suicide: A Study in Sociology. Free Press.
- Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
- Lemert, E. M. (1951). Social Pathology. McGraw-Hill.
- Reckless, W. C., & Dinitz, S. (1967). The Social Bond, Deviance, and Social Control. Oxford University Press.
- Giddens, A. (2006). Sociology. Polity Press.
- Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of Delinquency. University of California Press.
- Katz, J. (1989). Seductions of Crime: Moral and Sensual Attractions in Doing Evil. Basic Books.
- Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a General Strain Theory of Crime and Delinquency. Criminology, 30(1), 47-87.
- Chambliss, W. J., & Seidman, R. B. (2014). making Law: The Politics of Justice in America. Routledge.
- Becker, H. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance. Free Press.