Device In The Movie 'Cruel Intentions'
Stephen Abbott
Satterlund
Soc 111
May 12, 2012
Deviance
Deviance is the social concept that behaviors which violate the norms are wrong, or shameful in some way. The movie Cruel Intentions is full of social concepts like role, deviance, class conflict, and gender theories. I have chosen to write about deviance because it seemed to be the overwhelming cause behind all the other social themes that occurred. Deviance is shown throughout the movie in many forms and based on perceptions of varying degree. The idea that Kathryn Merteuil and Sebastian Valmont desire a sexual relationship with one another violates the idea that siblings, even those that aren’t related by blood, should not have relations. Incest is a sexual deviance that is
viewed by most people as something being wrong psychologically with a person to be attracted to a relative. There has been evidence to show that even blood relatives that have been separated since birth can find each other later in life and form an attraction and sometimes a sexual relationship. To these people the idea that non-blood siblings could find each other attractive wouldn’t be deviant. This shows the perception base for deviance.
In order for there to be deviance, society must have created norms. Norms are the basic rules that govern the operations in a society. Some norms are strictly enforced and called laws. Laws are generally in place to protect the safety of the people in a society. Some norms are more unspoken and provide the basic rules for social interaction. These types of norms tell us how to behave in public situations, like when riding an elevator or arriving at a restaurant that has a waiting list.
Although more deviant at the time of release than it is now there are many scenes depicting homosexual relationships. The kiss between Kathryn and Cecile and scenes involving Blaine Tuttle and Greg McConnell depict the shame that Greg would feel if he was exposed. He is so afraid that his life could be ruined that he agrees to help Sebastian by talking to Annette Hargrove on his behalf. The idea that norms adapt and change with the growth of society can be seen by examining the changes in ideals from 1999, when the version I chose was released, to now. There are still those that discriminate and find homosexuality to be deviant but it is also more accepted by others. Many public figures like sports stars and actors have come forward in recent years to embrace their lifestyle. With the recent controversy around gay marriage laws many heterosexual figures have stepped forward to show their support. Deviance is created by society and therefore adapts with the changes in popular culture.
The definition of deviance will never change but the idea behind what is deviant will change with time.
Satterlund
Soc 111
May 12, 2012
Deviance
Deviance is the social concept that behaviors which violate the norms are wrong, or shameful in some way. The movie Cruel Intentions is full of social concepts like role, deviance, class conflict, and gender theories. I have chosen to write about deviance because it seemed to be the overwhelming cause behind all the other social themes that occurred. Deviance is shown throughout the movie in many forms and based on perceptions of varying degree. The idea that Kathryn Merteuil and Sebastian Valmont desire a sexual relationship with one another violates the idea that siblings, even those that aren’t related by blood, should not have relations. Incest is a sexual deviance that is
viewed by most people as something being wrong psychologically with a person to be attracted to a relative. There has been evidence to show that even blood relatives that have been separated since birth can find each other later in life and form an attraction and sometimes a sexual relationship. To these people the idea that non-blood siblings could find each other attractive wouldn’t be deviant. This shows the perception base for deviance.
In order for there to be deviance, society must have created norms. Norms are the basic rules that govern the operations in a society. Some norms are strictly enforced and called laws. Laws are generally in place to protect the safety of the people in a society. Some norms are more unspoken and provide the basic rules for social interaction. These types of norms tell us how to behave in public situations, like when riding an elevator or arriving at a restaurant that has a waiting list.
Although more deviant at the time of release than it is now there are many scenes depicting homosexual relationships. The kiss between Kathryn and Cecile and scenes involving Blaine Tuttle and Greg McConnell depict the shame that Greg would feel if he was exposed. He is so afraid that his life could be ruined that he agrees to help Sebastian by talking to Annette Hargrove on his behalf. The idea that norms adapt and change with the growth of society can be seen by examining the changes in ideals from 1999, when the version I chose was released, to now. There are still those that discriminate and find homosexuality to be deviant but it is also more accepted by others. Many public figures like sports stars and actors have come forward in recent years to embrace their lifestyle. With the recent controversy around gay marriage laws many heterosexual figures have stepped forward to show their support. Deviance is created by society and therefore adapts with the changes in popular culture.
The definition of deviance will never change but the idea behind what is deviant will change with time.