In Module 5 We Have Been Learning About Deviance After You H

In Module 5 We Have Been Learning About Deviance After You Have Lear

Research an unfamiliar culture or subculture. It could be from another country or from the United States. Do the customs seem deviant to you? Which of your own customs might seem deviant to members of that culture? How has the media impacted your views of what is deviant or not deviant?

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of deviance in sociology refers to behaviors, beliefs, or conditions that violate societal norms and evoke response or reaction from others. Cultural norms play a crucial role in defining what is considered deviant, and these norms vary widely across different societies and subcultures. Exploring an unfamiliar culture or subculture provides insight into how deviance is culturally constructed and how perceptions differ based on social context.

One such culture that warrants study is the Maasai community of Kenya and Tanzania. The Maasai are renowned for their unique customs, dress, and social practices that are vastly different from Western norms. For instance, Maasai young men undergo an elaborate rite of passage called Eunoto, transitioning from boys to warriors, which involves rituals such as circumcision, warrior initiation ceremonies, and the wearing of distinctive shúkà clothing and beadwork. Some behaviors in Maasai culture, like physical violence during initiation or guerrilla-like warfare practices, might seem deviant from a Western perspective that emphasizes nonviolence and individual rights. However, within Maasai society, these customs uphold their cultural identity, social cohesion, and traditional gender roles.

From a Western viewpoint, certain Maasai practices could be viewed as deviant or even harmful, but within their cultural framework, these customs are normative and revered. For example, the Maasai's practice of male circumcision is a rite of passage that signifies bravery and maturity; yet, outsiders might perceive it as mutilation or unnecessary harm. Similarly, their polygamous marriage arrangements challenge Western norms of monogamy, yet they are integral to Maasai kinship and social structure.

Conversely, within Maasai culture, some of my own customs might seem deviant. For instance, in Western societies, individualism and personal freedom are highly valued. Practices like pursuing careers that don't conform to social expectations or expressing dissenting political views might be viewed as deviant or non-conforming behaviors. For example, the Western emphasis on independence and self-expression can seem unconventional or rebellious to members of more collectivist or traditional cultures like the Maasai.

The media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of deviance by often portraying cultures through stereotypes or limited narratives. Western media tend to emphasize sensational stories about African tribes, focusing on practices that seem exotic or unusual to generate interest or curiosity. This portrayal can lead to a biased understanding, framing these customs as inherently deviant or primitive, without appreciating their cultural significance and contextual meaning. Moreover, media coverage often neglects the social and historical realities that underpin these practices, reinforcing perceptions of deviance based solely on difference rather than cultural validity.

In addition, the media influences perceptions of deviance by reinforcing dominant cultural norms and stigmatizing behaviors that deviate from these standards. For example, in Western countries, drug use or certain sexual behaviors are often depicted as deviant, shaping public opinions and policy. Conversely, cultural practices that do not align with Western norms may be misunderstood or judged negatively, emphasizing how media constructs and reinforces definitions of deviance based on cultural biases.

The understanding of deviance must therefore be contextual, recognizing that what is considered deviant is socially constructed and varies based on cultural norms. Engaging with unfamiliar cultures and critically examining media portrayals enhances awareness of the relativity of deviance and challenges ethnocentric biases. Such cross-cultural perspectives promote a more nuanced appreciation of diverse social practices, encouraging tolerance, and reducing prejudice.

References

• Becker, H. S. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance. Free Press.
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• Levi-Strauss, C. (1963). Structural Anthropology. Basic Books.
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