SOC-220 Social Deviance Worksheet On A Separate Word Documen ✓ Solved

SOC-220 Social Deviance Worksheet On a separate Word document

On a separate Word document, citing one to three scholarly sources from the GCU library, answer the following prompts: Explain how social deviance contributes to social problems. Explain how social deviance perpetuates the social problem you selected on a micro and macro level. Use the GCU library and identify an actual solution to the problem of social deviance. Summarize the solution you identified and compare it to historical solutions proposed in the past.

Paper For Above Instructions

Social deviance is a critical aspect of sociology that examines behaviors, beliefs, and conditions that violate societal norms. Understanding how social deviance contributes to social problems is essential for addressing the root causes of societal issues. This paper will explore the relationship between social deviance and social problems, analyze its effects on both micro and macro levels, and identify possible solutions to the issues arising from deviant behavior.

1. Contribution of Social Deviance to Social Problems

Social deviance contributes significantly to social problems by highlighting cracks in social cohesion and shared values. Deviance can manifest in various forms, including criminal behavior, substance abuse, and non-conformity to societal norms. When such behaviors become prevalent, they can undermine the social order and create a host of problems, such as increased crime rates, substance dependency, and general disorder in communities (Goode, 2016).

Furthermore, societies often respond to social deviance with stigmatization and punishment, which can exacerbate existing social issues. For example, individuals labeled as “deviants” may find it challenging to reintegrate into society, leading to cycles of poverty and crime (Lemert, 1951). The process of labeling individuals as deviant can create barriers to employment, education, and social relationships, meaning the very individuals who could contribute positively to society are often marginalized. This cycle perpetuates social problems and increases overall community dissatisfaction (Becker, 1963).

2. Micro and Macro-Level Effects of Social Deviance

At the micro level, social deviance affects individuals and their immediate social circles. For instance, a family member engaging in deviant behavior, such as drug abuse, can lead to internal family strife, isolation, and mental health issues, affecting not just the individual but family members as well (Bourgois, 2003). The stigma associated with deviant behavior can lead to shame, guilt, and further deviance, which may spiral into broader problems for the family unit.

On the macro level, social deviance challenges societal institutions and norms. For example, high rates of crime in a city may place increased pressure on law enforcement and social services, diverting resources from other community needs such as education and healthcare. When crime rates rise, public fear may lead to increased social control measures, such as policing or surveillance, which can further marginalize affected communities rather than address the underlying issues (Wacquant, 2009).

This dual impact at both micro and macro levels illustrates how social deviance not only contributes to the emergence of social problems but also perpetuates them across different scales of society. Addressing social deviance requires a holistic approach that considers individual experiences and the broader societal context.

3. Identifying Solutions to Social Deviance

A viable solution to addressing social deviance lies in implementing restorative justice programs. Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm caused by criminal behavior through inclusive processes that engage victims, offenders, and the community (Zehr, 2002). This approach shifts the focus from punishment to reconciliation and support, thereby promoting healing among all parties involved.

Implementation studies have shown that restorative justice can significantly reduce recidivism rates and enhance community trust in the justice system (Latimer, Dowden, & Theriault, 2005). It incentivizes offenders to change their behavior by allowing them to confront the consequences of their actions in a supportive environment. Comparing this contemporary solution to historical responses, such as incarceration and punitive measures, reveals substantial differences in effectiveness. Traditionally, solutions focused primarily on punishment without addressing the underlying societal or psychological issues related to deviance, leaving both individuals and communities unchanged (Clear, 2008).

Historically, punitive approaches to crime have often resulted in overcrowded prisons and diminished societal safety. In contrast, restorative justice practices advocate for community involvement and rehabilitation, potentially leading to more significant long-term benefits for society. These practices can serve as a framework for addressing social deviance more effectively in contemporary society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, social deviance is intricately linked to various social problems, impacting both individuals at the micro level and society as a whole at the macro level. The cycle of deviance and social problems can be perpetuated through stigmatization and lack of support systems for deviants. Solutions such as restorative justice represent a paradigm shift in addressing the issues associated with social deviance. By focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, we not only provide individuals a chance for reintegration but also contribute to the stability of communities and society as a whole.

References

• Becker, H. S. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the sociology of deviance. The Free Press.
• Bourgois, P. (2003). In search of respect: Selling crack in El Barrio. Cambridge University Press.
• Clear, T. R. (2008). Imprisoning communities: How mass incarceration makes disadvantaged neighborhoods worse. Oxford University Press.
• Goode, E. (2016). Deviance in everyday life. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Latimer, J., Dowden, C., & Theriault, L. (2005). The effectiveness of restorative justice practices: A meta-analysis. Proactive Rehabilitation, 29(2), 155-191.
• Lemert, E. (1951). Social Pathology: A Systematic Approach to the Study of Man. McGraw-Hill.
• Wacquant, L. (2009). Punishing the poor: The neoliberal government of social insecurity. Duke University Press.
• Zehr, H. (2002). The little book of restorative justice. Good Books.