Select An Article From A National Newspaper You Believe

Select An Article From A National Newspaper That You Believe Represent

Select an article from a national newspaper that you believe represents a deviant act. Write a one-page response to the article. Be sure to relate the material and concepts from Module 1 to the article you have selected, i.e., which of the three perspectives of deviance would you relate to the article or can you relate all three approaches? Use the following formatting: • Use Microsoft Word (files end in .doc or .docx) • Double-spaced, one page, and one-inch margins on all sides • Times New Roman 11 pt. font • Copy and paste your chosen article to end of document.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of analyzing a newspaper article that depicts a deviant act involves examining the content through various sociological lenses, particularly the three perspectives of deviance: the normative approach, the statistical approach, and the functionalist perspective. By applying these frameworks, one can better understand how society perceives and responds to deviant behaviors, as well as the social functions they may serve.

Introduction

Deviance, a concept central to sociology, refers to behaviors or acts that violate societal norms and expectations (Goode, 2014). The choice of a newspaper article illustrating deviant behavior offers an invaluable opportunity to analyze societal reactions and underlying social structures. For this analysis, I selected a recent article from a prominent national newspaper reporting on cyberbullying among teenagers. The article details several instances of verbal abuse and threatening messages exchanged via social media platforms, which has led to emotional distress among victims and legal consequences for perpetrators.

Application of the Three Perspectives of Deviance

Normative Approach:

The normative perspective considers deviance as behavior that violates societal norms and moral standards. In the context of the cyberbullying article, the behavior of harassing and threatening others online clearly breaches accepted norms of civility and respect (Chambliss & Eglitis, 2016). Society generally condemns such behavior because it infringes upon the rights of individuals to safety and dignity. The normative approach emphasizes that the social response, including legal sanctions, aims to uphold these norms.

Statistical Approach:

The statistical perspective views deviance as behavior that is infrequent or rare within a society (Siegel & Worrall, 2019). While cyberbullying may be widespread, certain behaviors or cases are statistically uncommon, especially severe threats or harassment that result in significant harm. These acts are deviations from the normative behavior most teenagers typically engage in online. The rarity of such extreme behaviors signals their deviant nature, according to this approach, and highlights the need for societal intervention.

Functionalist Perspective:

The functionalist approach suggests that deviant acts serve functions within society; they can reinforce social norms, promote social cohesion, or indicate areas needing social change (Durkheim, 1897). In this case, instances of cyberbullying may reveal underlying issues such as social inequalities or peer dynamics. Society’s response, including legal action and awareness campaigns, serves to reinforce norms about appropriate online conduct. Additionally, the presence of such deviance prompts discussions about digital literacy and empathy education, serving as a catalyst for social reform.

Analysis and Reflection

Relating these perspectives provides a comprehensive understanding of the deviance depicted in the article. The normative approach clarifies that cyberbullying violates social expectations, while the statistical approach pinpoints its relative rarity or severity. Meanwhile, the functionalist perspective recognizes the broader social significance of such acts, drawing attention to underlying social issues and the role of societal responses in maintaining cohesion.

Furthermore, these frameworks underscore the importance of multi-faceted responses to deviance—legal measures alone are insufficient without addressing the social factors that facilitate such behaviors. For instance, emphasizing norms of kindness and empathy in digital literacy programs can mitigate the prevalence of cyberbullying and promote healthier online communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, analyzing a newspaper article about cyberbullying through the three sociological perspectives of deviance enhances our understanding of the social construction and functions of deviant acts. Each approach offers unique insights; together, they provide a holistic view that can inform effective social policies and educational efforts to prevent such behaviors.

Addressing deviance requires not only punitive measures but also a proactive approach to fostering social norms that discourage harm and promote empathy. Ultimately, understanding deviance through multiple lenses enables society to respond more effectively and constructively.

References

Chambliss, W. J., & Eglitis, D. S. (2016). Sociology: The core. SAGE Publications.

Durkheim, É. (1897). The rules of sociological method. Free Press.

Goode, E. (2014). Deviant behavior. Routledge.

Siegel, L. J., & Worrall, J. L. (2019). Criminology: The core. Cengage Learning.