Resource Required: Chapter 7 Deviance In Society

Resource Required Chapter 7 Deviance In Society The Basics

Chapter 7 Deviance in Society: the Basics discusses the concept of deviance, its social construction, and how perceptions of deviant behavior vary across different societies. It also explores factors influencing societal definitions of deviance, the effect of social power on responses to deviant acts, and the implications of these differences for social justice and law enforcement.

The Checkpoint asks for an example of a human behavior deemed deviant in one society but not in another, along with factors contributing to this perspective. It also examines why these societies view the behavior differently and how the power status of individuals affects the handling of deviant acts, illustrated with a current event. The response should be 200 to 300 words, formatted according to APA guidelines, with attached originality certification and at least two scholarly references.

Paper For Above instruction

Deviance, as discussed in Chapter 7 of "Deviance in Society," is a social construct—behaviors that violate societal norms and elicit negative social reactions. An illustrative example of this differential perception is public breastfeeding. In many Western societies, breastfeeding in public is increasingly accepted and viewed as a natural act necessary for child welfare. Conversely, in certain conservative cultures or religious communities, public breastfeeding is regarded as indecent or inappropriate, and women may face social sanctions or legal restrictions.

The factors contributing to these differing perspectives include cultural norms regarding modesty, gender roles, religious beliefs, and legal frameworks. Western societies emphasizing individual rights and bodily autonomy tend to normalize breastfeeding in public, viewing it as a personal and health-related choice. In contrast, societies with traditional values emphasizing modesty, morality, and gender segregation perceive public breastfeeding as violating social norms related to decency.

The societal reaction to deviant behavior also depends on the power status of the individual involved. When a person of high social status or power commits an act deemed deviant, such as political corruption or abuse of authority, the response is often more lenient or different compared to a less powerful individual. For example, recent reports of corporate executives engaging in financial misconduct or political figures involved in sexual scandals received varied responses depending on their status. Often, individuals with higher power may receive lighter punishments, such as public apologies or limited sanctions, due to their influence, resources, and societal status. Conversely, less powerful individuals face harsher penalties and social condemnation, highlighting how social hierarchy shapes responses to deviance.

This differential treatment underscores the importance of understanding how social power influences societal perceptions of deviance, revealing underlying inequalities. Addressing these disparities requires a commitment to equitable justice that considers the context and power dynamics involved in deviant acts.

References

• Becker, H. S. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the sociology of deviance. Free Press.
• Jensen, L. A., & Arnett, J. J. (2014). Adolescence and emerging adulthood: A cultural approach. Pearson.
• Siegel, L. J. (2011). Criminology: The core (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identity. Prentice-Hall.
• Foucault, M. (1977). Discipline and punish: The birth of the prison. Pantheon Books.
• Thio, A. (2018). Deviant behavior (11th ed.). Pearson.
• Prentice, J. (2020). Power and inequality in contemporary society. Routledge.
• Johnson, M. P. (2010). Rethinking deviance: Social norms and morality. Sociology Compass, 4(8), 1086-1097.
• Skolnick, J. H. (2014). Justice with a vengeance: Crime, punishment, and restoring justice. University of California Press.
• Alexander, M. (2010). The new Jim Crow: Mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness. The New Press.