Week 3 Discussion: Conformity And Deviance

Week 3 Discussion Conformity And Deviance 2 Or 3 Paragraphsrequired

Week 3 Discussion: Conformity and Deviance (2 or 3 paragraphs) Required Resources Read/review the following resources for this activity: Textbook: Chapter 5, 6 Lesson Minimum of 1 outside scholarly source (in addition to the textbook) Initial Post Instructions Social psychologist Irving Janis coined the term groupthink to describe how people often respond differently in a group context than they might if they were alone. Another interesting topic of sociological study is the area of deviance and social control. The textbook provides multiples examples from history where groupthink may have influenced people to participate in socially deviant behavior that they might have otherwise avoided. For the initial post, respond to one of the following options, and label the beginning of your post indicating either Option 1 or Option 2: Option 1: Share an example from your personal experience (of your own or of someone you know), or an example from history, where groupthink may have influenced people to behave or arrive at a decision in a way that many individual members privately might have avoided or thoughts unwise. Option 2: Choose a form of deviance with which you are familiar (not necessarily something you have done, but something someone you know did). Examine why society views that behavior as deviant and whether perceptions of that behavior have changed over time. Determine and explain which theory of deviance you think works best for understanding the deviant behavior you have chosen to discuss. Remember to be respectful in light of potentially sensitive topics, and consider what you might be disclosing, as there is no guarantee of privacy. Writing Requirements Minimum of 3 posts (1 initial & 2 follow-up) APA format for in-text citations and list of references Include citations from at least the assigned textbook/lesson reading and one additional outside scholarly source to support your response.

Paper For Above instruction

Groupthink, a concept introduced by Irving Janis, exemplifies how individuals often conform to group decisions that they might otherwise oppose if acting alone. One notable historical illustration of this phenomenon occurred during the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. The U.S. CIA and President John F. Kennedy’s administration collectively endorsed the covert operation to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime in Cuba. Despite internal reservations voiced by some advisors, the consensus favored proceeding with the plan, driven by a desire for unity and a suppressed dissenting voice. The groupthink atmosphere led to a failure of critical evaluation, culminating in a disastrous invasion that failed to achieve its objectives (Janis, 1972). This example underscores how the pressure for conformity and the suppression of dissenting opinions can result in decisions that, if scrutinized individually, might seem unwise or avoided altogether.

Conversely, examining deviance through the lens of societal perceptions reveals the fluidity of social norms over time. An example is the changing perception of marijuana use in the United States. Historically regarded as a dangerous narcotic associated with criminal behavior, the societal view has shifted considerably over the past few decades. Legislation, media portrayal, and cultural attitudes have contributed to framing marijuana increasingly as a medicinal substance or a personal choice rather than a deviant act. This transition exemplifies how societal reactions to specific behaviors evolve, influenced by scientific research, advocacy, and generational shifts (Hathaway & Erickson, 2014). The Social Disorganization Theory best explains this deviance, suggesting that deviant labels and reactions are shaped by societal structures, norms, and the social control mechanisms that fluctuate over time (Shaw & McKay, 1942). Such changes highlight the importance of understanding social context in defining what constitutes deviance and how societal perceptions can transform.

References

• Hathaway, A. D., & Erickson, P. G. (2014). Changing attitudes towards marijuana use: Trends and implications. Journal of Drug Issues, 44(3), 251-267.
• Janis, I. L. (1972). Victims of groupthink. Houghton Mifflin.
• Shaw, C. R., & McKay, H. D. (1942). Juvenile Delinquency and Urban Areas. University of Chicago Press.