Need By 10 April 2016 At 2300 Hrs Please Answer The Followin

Need By 10 April 2016 By 2300hrsplease Answer the Following Questions

How does deviance vary according to cultural norms? What are some ways that responding to deviance can unite people? How can deviance promote social change? How can cultural relativism help us understand why deviance is defined differently in different times in history?

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Deviance, defined broadly as behaviors or characteristics that violate societal norms, varies significantly across different cultures and historical contexts. Cultural norms are the shared expectations and rules that guide behavior within a society, and what constitutes deviance in one culture may be considered normal or acceptable in another. For example, certain practices such as tattooing or wearing specific attire may be viewed as deviant in conservative societies but are seen as expressions of identity or rebellion in others. Sociologist Emile Durkheim emphasized that deviance is a social fact, serving both as a reflection of societal values and a mechanism that can reinforce or challenge those values. Consequently, the perception of deviance is inherently tied to cultural norms, which are fluid and subject to change over time as societies evolve and redefine what is acceptable or unacceptable (Macionis, 2013).

Responding to deviance can serve as a unifying force within a community or society. When individuals collectively oppose deviant behaviors such as crime or disorder, they often come together to uphold shared moral standards, fostering social cohesion. This collective response can take the form of media campaigns, community policing, or social movements that reinforce common values. For instance, the mobilization of communities to prevent drug abuse or violence often galvanizes individuals, strengthening social bonds and reinforcing a sense of shared purpose. Moreover, societal reactions to deviance, such as criminal justice measures, may reaffirm community identity and promote social solidarity by emphasizing collective norms and values that members agree to uphold (Durkheim, 1895). Such responses can also inspire social resilience and resilience, enabling communities to withstand external or internal threats.

Deviance can also act as a catalyst for social change when societal norms are challenged through the examination of deviant behaviors or ideas. Historically, many social movements originated from the challenge to existing norms deemed deviant by prevailing standards. For example, the civil rights movement in the United States initially involved acts of civil disobedience, which were considered deviant by mainstream society but ultimately prompted significant legislative and cultural changes toward racial equality (Macionis, 2013). Deviance thus exposes societal contradictions and prompts collective reflection, often leading to reforms that broaden the boundaries of acceptable behavior and promote inclusivity. In this way, deviance can serve as a vehicle for progress by highlighting issues that need addressing and motivating societal actors to advocate for change.

Cultural relativism is a key concept in understanding why definitions of deviance vary across different societies and historical periods. It posits that behaviors are not inherently deviant but are labeled as such based on cultural standards. For example, practices like witchcraft accusations or religious rituals that were considered deviant in medieval Europe may be seen as acceptable or even sacred in other cultures or times. This perspective challenges ethnocentric views that judge other cultures’ norms through the lens of one’s own cultural standards. By adopting cultural relativism, sociologists can appreciate how societal definitions of deviance are historically and culturally contingent. This understanding underscores that what is considered deviant in one context may be normative or valued in another, emphasizing the importance of context in interpreting social behaviors (Macionis, 2013). Recognizing this variability fosters greater cultural sensitivity and encourages a more nuanced understanding of social diversity and change over time.

In conclusion, deviance is a complex social phenomenon that varies across cultures and historical epochs. Its perception is deeply intertwined with cultural norms, which are fluid and subject to reinterpretation over time. Responses to deviance serve to reinforce social cohesion, while deviance itself can inspire social change by challenging outdated norms. Cultural relativism helps illuminate why definitions of deviance are not static and differ across societies, promoting understanding and tolerance of diverse social practices. Recognizing these dynamics is essential for fostering an inclusive and adaptable social fabric capable of evolving in response to changing values and conditions.

References

  • Durkheim, É. (1895). The Rules of Sociological Method. Free Press.
  • Macionis, J. J. (2013). Sociology (15th ed.). Pearson Learning Solutions.
  • Gottfredson, M. (1990). Social responses to deviance. In L. C. Becker (Ed.), Sociology of Deviance (pp. 45-66). Wiley.
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  • Leavitt, J. W. (2011). Modern social problems. Cengage Learning.
  • Kalof, L., & Danberry, A. (2012). Race, culture, and the debilitation of the self. In M. Schwalbe (Ed.), Sociology for the People (pp. 245-265). McGraw-Hill.
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