Who Determines And Defines The Norms Of Society ✓ Solved

Who determines and defines the norms of a society?

Who determines and defines the norms of a society? This is an important question because the norms that are accepted will define who is deviant and who will face sanctions by society. Social conflict theorists argue that those who have power in a society will set the norms that will be applied to all others. For example, laws are determined by lawyers, judges and politicians and enforced by the police. We can see this determination of norms by examining white collar crime.

It has very negative effects on society but those who commit it usually avoid being labeled as criminals. Statistical data can differentiate between those who are considered deviant and those who are not. By knowing this, we can deduce which groups are defining the norms of society. Official statistics show that arrest rates generally peak for in late adolescence and then decline as age advances. Three of every four people apprehended by police are arrested for property crimes.

Additionally, males commit 84% of violent crimes. Those who are poor are found to commit more street crime than the affluent. Many more whites than African Americans are arrested for street crime but on a proportional basis for population many more African Americans are arrested. Additionally, considerably fewer Asian Americans are arrested for crime. The police have a great deal of discretion in making arrests. There is a much greater chance of an arrest if there is a serious crime, there are witnesses to the crime, or if an African American has been accused. The American Justice System is an adversarial court system but most cases are resolved through plea bargains. Importantly, regardless of how efficient the American Justice System is, it places those who have less power and influence at a great disadvantage.

Paper For Above Instructions

The norms that govern our society play a fundamental role in shaping behaviors, defining the boundaries of acceptable conduct, and determining who is labeled as a deviant. The processes of social control, which include sanctions and laws, reflect the interests and perspectives of those in power. This paper delves into the question: who determines and defines the norms of a society? By intertwining the perspectives of social conflict theory alongside statistical data and case studies, we can unravel the complexities of norm definition and deviance.

At the heart of this inquiry lies the social conflict theory, primarily associated with the ideas of Karl Marx. This theory suggests that the powerful in society—the ruling elite—impose their values and norms on others, often silencing dissenting voices. Laws and regulations are crafted by lawyers, judges, and politicians, groups that typically enjoy privileges not shared by the wider populace. The implications of this are profound. For instance, consider white-collar crime, which often goes unpunished or is treated with leniency, highlighting the discrepancies in how society views deviance based on social class. Those committing white-collar crimes harm society yet evade the label of 'criminal', largely because they do not fit the public imagery of a deviant (Sutherland, 1949).

Statistical data further illuminates societal definitions of deviance. Research indicates that arrest rates peak during late adolescence, showcasing that young people—especially males—are disproportionately criminalized (Farrington, 1986). The statistical reports also reveal that males are responsible for 84% of violent crimes while contrasting arrest rates show that poverty is often correlated with an increase in street crime. Despite higher numbers of arrested whites, the representation seems skewed when juxtaposed with the African American population; African Americans are arrested at much higher rates relative to their population (Tonry, 1995). As such, statistical analysis reveals how power dynamics influence whose behaviors are deemed criminal.

The discretionary power of police further complicates the definition of societal norms. Decisions regarding arrest can be influenced by several factors including the race of the accused or the presence of witnesses (Jefferson, 1992). The adversarial nature of the American justice system often results in plea bargains, which tend to favor those with resources and influence, further marginalizing the less powerful within the system (Tonry, 1995). Thus, it becomes evident that not only do societal elites define norms, they actively shape the justice system in a manner that perpetuates their power.

Exploring how deviance is constructed within a society also reveals deeper implications about power relations. Norms exist in relationship to cultural expectations and societal responses to behaviors. Deviancy is thus socially constructed: an individual is not deviant until others label them as such. This process emphasizes the significance of social power, where those who hold sway can redefine norms. As noted earlier, if the popular group in a high school engages in certain behaviors, they can set the trend for the entire school. The social significance of the in-crowd thus spotlights that deviance is often not an isolated attribute of individuals, but rather a collective definition emerging from societal interactions (Merton, 1957).

Émile Durkheim, a prominent sociologist, argued that deviance can play an essential role in societal stability. He identified four significant functions of deviance: reaffirming cultural values and norms, clarifying moral boundaries, promoting social unity, and encouraging social change (Durkheim, 1895). These functions illustrate that deviance is not merely a disruption of the status quo but can serve as a vital mechanism for social evolution. For example, movements advocating for civil rights emerged from labeling existing norms as unjust, highlighting how societal definitions of deviance evolve over time alongside collective consciousness.

To deepen our understanding, we must also consider psychological and social explanations for deviant behavior. While psychological theories focus on individual traits and abnormalities, sociological theories scrutinize broader social structures and their ramifications. Robert Merton’s strain theory posits that societal structures can lead individuals toward deviance based on disparities between societal goals and the means available to achieve them. For example, individuals in impoverished communities may adopt innovative methods to achieve success when conventional paths are obstructed, a perspective that intensifies the understanding of deviance as a social product rather than an individual failure (Merton, 1938).

In conclusion, the question of who determines and defines the norms of society unveils intricate relationships between power, social structure, and labels of deviance. Through an exploration of social conflict theory, statistical data, and case studies, it is evident that norms are set and defined by those in power, and this process heavily influences societal perceptions of deviance. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the broader implications for justice and equity within society, ultimately pointing towards a need for critical reflection on who has the authority to define normativity among diverse populations. As society continues to evolve, so too will its definitions of deviance, reflecting changing power dynamics and cultural values.

References

• Durkheim, E. (1895). The Rules of Sociological Method. Free Press.
• Farrington, D. P. (1986). Young Men Who Kill: The Development of Criminality. The British Journal of Criminology, 26(3), 261-273.
• Jefferson, T. (1992). Street Crime and Deviance. Longman.
• Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
• Merton, R. K. (1957). Social Theory and Social Structure. Free Press.
• Sutherland, E. H. (1949). Principles of Criminology. J.B. Lippincott Company.
• Tonry, M. (1995). Malign Neglect: Race, Crime, and Punishment in America. Oxford University Press.
• Becker, H. S. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance. Free Press.
• Cohen, A. K. (1955). Delinquent Boys: The Culture of the Gang. Free Press.
• Cloward, R. A., & Ohlin, L. E. (1960). Delinquency and Opportunity: A Theory of Delinquent Gangs. Free Press.