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Sociological Theory Of Deviance Essay

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Sociological Theory Of Deviance Essay
Deviance is a behavior that occurs from conventional norms; however, norms vary from one situation to another, consequently, deviance is located in a social context (Andersen, 2011, p.269). It is important to examine social context to understand deviance because most people define deviance as a behavior that is disapproved. However, sociologist define deviance based on a social context. For instance, what might be deviant in one culture can consequently be accepted in another culture. One example that demonstrates deviance according to sociologist, is the hogging example. Men would prey on overweight and unattractive women to satisfy their sexual desire, because their peers were also engaging in the same behavior (Andersen, 2011, 264). According …show more content…
The article, Sexual Assault on Campus, demonstrates that rape on campus is considered a deviant act. These women are usually raped at fraternity parties hosted by their male counterparts. In addition, partying at these fraternities are gendered based on cultural expectations. For instance, women are supposed to wear revealing outfits and also be grateful for the men’s hospitability (Armstrong, Hamilton, and Sweeney, 2006, p.490). Men at fraternity parties get women drunk, block doors, and control transportation to prevent women from leaving sexual situations (Armstrong, Hamilton, and Sweeney, 2006, p.491). The belief that men are naturally sexually aggressive normalize these acts. In addition, after a woman is raped at such social events, the end result consequents in her being blamed. The girl is usually blamed for being immature and naïve. The logic of victim blaming suggests that smart, careful women are safe from sexual assault and only immature women get in trouble (Armstrong, Hamilton, and Sweeney, 2006, p.493). Women being sexually attacked at a fraternity party is not considered a deviant act, however, being raped on prestigious college campus grounds is considered a deviant act (Armstrong, Hamilton, and Sweeney, 2006, p.496). Thus, victim blaming makes sexual assault an acceptable act, because you can easy shift the blame on those who were raped by saying “they asked for it”. However, raping women on school campus is seen as unethical

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