Write A 750-Word Paper Using APA Standards That Includes Dis

Write A 750 Word Paper Using APA Standards That Includes Discussion Of

Describe an example of a television program that you believe clearly displays social deviance, and explain why you specifically selected it. In this television program, how are people “labeled” as socially deviating from the expected social norms, and who does this labeling? Analyze the deviance, using terms such as primary deviance, secondary deviance, retrospective labeling, and stigma. Apply Durkheim’s four functions of deviance to the deviant actions in the television program. What purpose(s) does the deviance play?

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For this analysis, I have selected the television series "Breaking Bad," which vividly portrays social deviance through the characters' engagement in illegal drug manufacturing and distribution. The show's protagonist, Walter White, initially appears as a typical high school chemistry teacher but becomes increasingly involved in criminal activity. "Breaking Bad" effectively exemplifies social deviance because it depicts behaviors that violate societal norms and laws, highlighting the consequences of Labeling and stigmatization.

The individuals involved in the drug trade, especially Walter White and his associates, are labeled as socially deviant by society, law enforcement, and even within their own social circles. Law enforcement agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), officially label these characters as drug dealers and criminals. Society at large perceives them as threats to social order, reinforcing their deviant status. The media portrayal and community reactions further stigmatize these characters, solidifying their label as deviant individuals.

The process of labeling in "Breaking Bad" involves primary and secondary deviance. Primary deviance refers to the initial acts of illegal behavior committed by Walter White—his first methamphetamine production does not initially define his identity but is a response to financial hardship and personal desperation. As he continues, society's reactions and law enforcement labels transform his identity into that of a criminal. This is secondary deviance, where Walter's actions become self-fulfilling prophecies—he internalizes the deviant label, which leads to further deviant behavior. The stigma associated with drug dealing isolates him socially, amplifying his deviant identity and justification for his actions.

Retrospective labeling is evident when societal reactions ignore Walter White's previous identity as a responsible family man, instead focusing on his criminal persona. The community and law enforcement reinterpret his past morality through the lens of his deviant acts, reinforcing his deviant status. This retrospective judgment complicates efforts for reintegration into conventional society and perpetuates his stigmatized identity.

Durkheim's four functions of deviance— affirming cultural norms, clarifying moral boundaries, promoting social unity, and encouraging social change—are clearly exemplified in "Breaking Bad." The deviant acts affirm the societal norm that drug manufacturing and distribution are unacceptable, reinforcing the collective moral stance against drug use. The reactions to Walter White's actions clarify moral boundaries, emphasizing societal condemnation of crime. The show also fosters social unity among viewers who oppose illegal drug activities and sympathize with the victimized families affected by drug abuse.

More intriguingly, Walter White's transformation and ultimate downfall serve as a commentary on the need for social change. The series exposes flaws in societal responses to economic hardship, highlighting that marginalized individuals may resort to deviance when conventional resources fail. This raises questions about societal structures and the need for better support systems, suggesting that deviance in this context stimulates debate about systemic reforms.

Overall, "Breaking Bad" exemplifies how social deviance functions within society, illustrating the processes of labeling, stigmatization, and societal reactions to deviant behavior. It demonstrates the complex interplay between individual actions and societal norms, emphasizing that deviance is not merely about the violation of rules but also about societal responses and the functions they serve. Durkheim's theory helps us understand the broader social implications of deviant acts as tools for affirming norms and fostering social cohesion, while also highlighting areas for potential social reform.

References

• Durkheim, E. (2014). The elementary forms of the religious life. Oxford University Press.
• Gomm, R., Horne, C., & Wainwright, P. (2014). Social deviance. In S. J. D. (Ed.), The Routledge handbook of crime and criminal justice (pp. 223-235). Routledge.
• Hetherington, K. (2004). Narcotic culture: A history of drugs in America. Routledge.
• McLaughlin, E., & Muncie, J. (2016). The Sage dictionary of criminology. Sage Publications.
• Ssis, A. (2012). Deviance and social control. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Thomas, P., & Kropp, P. (2004). Understanding social deviance: An introduction. Pearson.
• Wrape, A. (2014). Crime and criminology: An introduction. Routledge.
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• Zipes, F. (2010). Social deviance and social control. Palgrave Macmillan.