Deviant Behavior

Deviant behavior- these are the types of behavior wherein it stray from the accepted norms, beliefs, or values of the group.
Deviance is relative - what is deviant for one group may be accepted to other group.
Various theories on defiance that have been formulated to explain its occurrence. This focuses on against the sociocultural processes and structural organization of the society.
BIOLOGICAL EXPLANATION- that deviant behavior stems from one's physical or biological makeup.
Cesare Lembroso(1911)- that some people are born criminals and have abnormally large jaws, high cheekbones, good eyesight, and insensibility to pain.
- This study is limited to the criminals in prison.
PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACH - stresses that deviant behavior is a result of personality disorder or maladjustment that develops during childhood or failure to structure one's behavior in an orderly way.
SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH
Functionalist Perspective - Stresses the rapid social changes in norms, values and life-style that increase the opportunities like drug use, crime and mental illness.
Emile Durkheim- deviance is a natural part of all societies and serves important functions.
For ex. Rules are strengthened as deviant behavior is punished and clarifies their meaning.
Durkheim(1897)- that there is a desirable normative structure, but in times of rapid social change, variety of conflicting norms give rise to a condition which he calls anomie or a state of "normlessness".
Robert K. Merton (1968) - that deviance as the result of anomic in contemporary modern society like Unites States.
Control theory by Walter Reckless (1967) - explains the occurrence of deviance but is largely applicable to delinquency, youth crime, and suicide.
- asserts that deviance and conformity are both learned in the same process of socialization whereby one acquires norms, social roles, and self-concept.
Conflict theory by Hortob and Hunt(1985)- focuses on the heterogeneous nature of society and the differential distribution of political and social power.
SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM
- focuses on the importance of definitions, labels, and the social meanings associated with the deviant act.
Cultural transmission theory by Edwin Sutherland - affirmed the idea that deviant behavior, like conventional behavior, is learned through interaction with others in small intimate groups.
Labeling theory - focuses on how crime and deviance become defined and labeled, and its effect on a person being so labeled.
Feminist approach to deviance by Kendall - points out that there is no single feminist perspective on deviance.
- There are three schools of thought:
LIBERAL - approach avers that deviance is a rational response to gender discrimination experienced in marriage, the workplace, and interpersonal relations.
RADICAL - attribute deviance to patriarchy, defined as male dominance over women.
SOCIALIST - holds that in capitalistic and patriarchal society’s women receive low wages.
-social deviation is bad by nature but not always.
- Also performs some positive functions for ex. makes the people aware of the possible dangers emanating from such deviation.
DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION
Drug abuse- taking drugs on a wrong way for ex. taking but not really needing it.
Drug addiction - taking drugs more on the prescribed dosage because the body is now dependent to drugs.
COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS
Sedatives- assert calming effects on the nervous system; reduce anxiety and excitement.
- Overdose may so depress the brains respiratory control that lead to the cessation of breathing and death.
Ex. Barbiturates, tranquilizers and alcohol.
Stimulants- increases alertness.
- Excessive use may lead to insomnia, exhaustion and later deep depression.
Ex. Caffeine, amphetamines and cocaine.
Hallucinogens- affect sensation, thinking, self - awareness, and emotion.
- taking them leads to delusion or false beliefs.
Ex. Marijuana
Narcotics- relieve pain, make one drowsy and relaxed.
- Continuous use leads to physiological and psychological dependence.
The Cost of Drug Abuse
- Incalculable
- may lead to quarrels, battered spouses, and breakup of the family.
- On health it will cause heart failure, blood clots and respiratory disorders and etc.