Boyz N the Hood Deviance

The Truth of South Central Throughout the 1992 film, “Boyz in the Hood,” John Singleton takes a closer look at urban black America in South Central Los Angeles. Doughboy, Ricky and Trey, along with their parents are chronicled from childhood to adulthood. Each person, though living in the same neighborhood chooses different paths in life. These characters were raised in a very deviant community, however there were many causes as to why they did not all become deviant. Deviance is defined as behavior that goes against what is socially acceptable. It is when a person disregards what is normal in a specific society and acts upon it. Throughout the movie these characters had many chances to engage in deviant behavior, as some did while others did not. Their behavior and personality was determined by many factors and theories which sociologist study. The four main theories which explain why these characters did or did not become deviant are differential association, labeling, social control, and structural strain theory. As this deviant society is exposed to these theories, a normal society can better understand why and how this deviance originated. One of the most compelling theories of how deviance is instigated is the theory of differential association. Differential association is defined as behavior that is learned through the interaction of others. People pass these deviant behaviors onto others whom they have relations with. Throughout the film there are many instances in which deviant behavior is passed on to others through leading example. One instance comprises of the way Tre’ and his father Furious answer the phone. When Tre’ answers the phone he says, “Who dis?”(Singleton) His mother replies back. “This is your mother. That is no way to answer the phone. Let me speak to your father.” (Singleton)
Furious answers the phone and says, “Who dis?”(Singleton) As tranquil as this scenario is, it is still considered deviant behavior as the way our society