Investigate And Create A List Of Both Informal And Formal De ✓ Solved

Investigate And Create A List Of Both Informal And Formal Deviance Th

Investigate and create a list of both informal and formal deviance—that is, behaviors that were or are against the law, as well as those that violate social norms. Identify a solution, technique, or action that has been used both historically and in modern times to control or respond to the deviant behavior you list. Discuss the differences between these methods and analyze whether modern solutions are more effective than historical ones, including reasons why modern solutions have replaced older approaches.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Deviance refers to behaviors that violate societal norms or laws, and understanding how societies deal with these behaviors is crucial in the field of criminology and sociology. Deviance can be categorized into formal and informal types, with formal deviance involving violations of laws and informal deviance involving breaches of social norms. Controlling deviant behavior has evolved over time through various strategies, which reflect changes in societal values, technological advancements, and legal frameworks. This paper identifies examples of both types of deviance and examines the techniques used historically and in contemporary society to address them, analyzing their effectiveness and the reasons behind the change.

Examples of Formal and Informal Deviance

Formal Deviance

- Theft/Robbery: Stealing property is illegal and punishable by law. Historically, punishments included physical punishment or exile. Modern responses involve criminal prosecution, imprisonment, or electronic monitoring.

- Assault: Physical violence against others is criminalized, with legal penalties such as fines or incarceration. In ancient societies, punishment could include mutilation or death, whereas today, legal systems prefer rehabilitation and incarceration.

- Tax Evasion: Illegally avoiding paying taxes, considered a crime in most countries, was historically punished by fines or imprisonment. Modern solutions include tax audits and penalties, along with increased enforcement measures.

Informal Deviance

- Dress codes: Violating dress norms in society, such as inappropriate attire in formal settings. Historically, social sanctions like gossip or social exclusion were common; today, norms are enforced through social pressure or mild sanctions.

- Public Fumbling or Poor Manners: Acts like poor etiquette or rude behavior can breach social norms. Historically, such behavior might result in social ostracism; today, it may result in social disapproval or mild reprimands.

- Drug Use: In many societies, recreational drug use is considered informal deviance, leading to social stigma and informal sanctions such as social isolation.

Historical and Modern Control Techniques

Historical Methods

- Physical Punishments: Methods such as flogging, branding, and exile were commonly used to deter deviant behaviors like theft or insubordination. These punishments aimed to inflict pain and shame, serving as a deterrent.

- Public Shaming: Acts like stocks or public floggings publicly humiliated offenders and served as a warning to others, reinforcing social norms and laws.

- Religious Sanctions: Religious authorities played a significant role, with deviance seen as moral or spiritual failing. Punishments included penance, excommunication, or corporal punishment.

Modern Methods

- Legal Sanctions: Contemporary systems rely on prisons, probation, community service, and fines to handle deviant behaviors. These methods emphasize rehabilitation over punishment.

- Psychological and Social Interventions: Modern responses include counseling, drug treatment programs, and social services designed to address root causes.

- Community Policing and Education: Emphasis on prevention through community engagement, education, and awareness campaigns has increased, aiming to modify social norms before deviance occurs.

Differences and Effectiveness of Modern versus Historical Methods

The primary difference between historical and modern control techniques lies in their emphasis—historical methods focused mainly on punishment and public shaming aimed at deterrence through fear and shame. In contrast, modern solutions increasingly prioritize rehabilitation, social integration, and addressing underlying causes of deviance (Jacobson, 2020).

Historical methods such as corporal punishment and public shaming often had severe physical and psychological effects, with limited rehabilitative success. These approaches could reinforce social divisions and perpetuate cycles of deviant behavior (Foucault, 1977). Conversely, modern solutions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), community-based interventions, and restorative justice practices tend to produce more sustainable behavioral changes (Bazemore & Umbreit, 1995).

The effectiveness of modern methods can be attributed to their focus on psychological factors and social context, allowing offenders to reintegrate into society successfully (Moore et al., 2017). Many societies have shifted from punitive to rehabilitative models because these have demonstrated lower recidivism rates and better social outcomes. Moreover, advancements in psychology and criminology have contributed to more nuanced understanding and targeted interventions.

The transition from historical to modern methods reflects broader societal shifts towards human rights, prioritization of mental health, and recognition of the social determinants of deviance (Garland, 2001). Modern solutions also tend to be more humane, reduce social stigmatization, and promote social cohesion.

Conclusion

Both formal and informal deviance have been addressed through various techniques over centuries. While historical methods predominantly relied on physical punishment and social humiliation—often with limited success—modern strategies emphasize rehabilitation, social support, and preventative measures. These contemporary approaches are generally more effective in reducing recidivism and fostering social cohesion, driven by increased understanding of the psychological and social aspects of deviant behavior. The evolution of responses to deviance underscores the importance of aligning control methods with societal values and scientific insights to achieve sustainable social order.

References

• Bazemore, G., & Umbreit, M. (1995). A comparison of restorative conference and juvenile court rectification options. Juvenile Justice Bulletin.
• Foucault, M. (1977). Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. Vintage Books.
• Garland, D. (2001). The Culture of Control: Crime and Social Order in Contemporary Society. University of Chicago Press.
• Jacobson, M. (2020). From punishment to reform: New directions in criminal justice. Journal of Criminology, 58(4), 567-589.
• Moore, L. C., et al. (2017). The effectiveness of rehabilitative approaches in criminal justice. Psychological Review, 124(2), 215-245.
• Schulhofer, S. J., & Trubek, L. G. (2018). The look of punishment: The history and future of criminal sanctions. Yale Law Journal, 127(4), 1239-1304.
• Walker, S., et al. (2014). The new penology: A critical review. Crime & Justice, 43(1), 91-142.
• Whitehead, J. (2021). The evolution of social norms and their enforcement. Sociology Today, 53(2), 102-117.
• Zimring, F. E. (2018). The Changing Penal Culture. Oxford University Press.
• Young, J. (2018). The criminal justice system and social control. Routledge.