Deviance
Introducing Deviance Within society there is culture and norms-principals, standards, and expectations. As people, we make up our society, setting goals and expectations for ourselves. When someone decides to venture past the norms of culture, this is called deviant behavior; essentially breaking the rules or the balance that society has developed. Theories are abstract thoughts derived on questions to help clarify problems such as deviance. This paper is designed to compare and contrast two theories and how they explain deviance in society; the two that I have selected are conflict theory and control theory.
Conflict Theory Conflict theory, a theory that views deviance as a mere choice, not . . ."by factors such as biology, personality, anomie, social disorganization, and labels" (Anthony Giddens Mitchell Duneier Richard P. Appelbaum Deborah Carr 182). Chapter Seven describes . . . "deviant behavior in the response to the inequalities of the capitalist system" (Anthony Giddens Mitchell Duneier Richard P. Appelbaum Deborah Carr 182). In other words, conflict theory relates deviance to hierarchy (power); the more established and wealthier you are, the likely you are to challenge the norms of society.
Control Theory As stated in Chapter Seven, "Conformity, Deviance, And Crime," "Control theory assumes that people act rationally and that, given the opportunity, everyone would engage in deviant acts" (Anthony Giddens Mitchell Duneier Richard P. Appelbaum Deborah Carr 182). In other words, people control an act of deviance by weighing the pros and cons. According to Travis Hirschi, a sociologist and criminologist, there are four major bonds that connect people to society; thus stability, keeping people from deviant acts. The four bonds describes are . . . "attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief" (Anthony Giddens Mitchell Duneier Richard P. Appelbaum Deborah Carr 182).
Comparing Conflict Theory to Control Theory While conflict theory and control
Conflict Theory Conflict theory, a theory that views deviance as a mere choice, not . . ."by factors such as biology, personality, anomie, social disorganization, and labels" (Anthony Giddens Mitchell Duneier Richard P. Appelbaum Deborah Carr 182). Chapter Seven describes . . . "deviant behavior in the response to the inequalities of the capitalist system" (Anthony Giddens Mitchell Duneier Richard P. Appelbaum Deborah Carr 182). In other words, conflict theory relates deviance to hierarchy (power); the more established and wealthier you are, the likely you are to challenge the norms of society.
Control Theory As stated in Chapter Seven, "Conformity, Deviance, And Crime," "Control theory assumes that people act rationally and that, given the opportunity, everyone would engage in deviant acts" (Anthony Giddens Mitchell Duneier Richard P. Appelbaum Deborah Carr 182). In other words, people control an act of deviance by weighing the pros and cons. According to Travis Hirschi, a sociologist and criminologist, there are four major bonds that connect people to society; thus stability, keeping people from deviant acts. The four bonds describes are . . . "attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief" (Anthony Giddens Mitchell Duneier Richard P. Appelbaum Deborah Carr 182).
Comparing Conflict Theory to Control Theory While conflict theory and control
Cited: Giddens, Anthony. "Socialization And The Life Cycle." Introduction to Sociology. Seven ed. New York: W.W. Norton, 1996. 85-105. Print. Laub, John H. 2011. Control theory: The life and work of Travis Hirschi. In The origins of American criminology. Advances in criminological theory 16. Edited by Francis T. Cullen, Cheryl Lero Jonson, Andrew J. Myer, and Freda Adler, 295–331. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction.