Sociology of Deviance

The sociology of deviance studies how societies define, respond to, and produce rule-breaking and nonconformity, and the consequences for those labelled deviant.

Scope

It covers theories of deviance and social control, labelling and stigma, the social construction of deviance, and the management of spoiled identities.

Core questions

• What is deviance, and who defines it?
• Why do people deviate from norms?
• How does societal reaction shape deviance?
• What are the consequences of being labelled deviant?
• How is conformity maintained?

Key concepts

• Anomie/strain
• Labelling
• Stigma
• Social control
• Moral panic
• Secondary deviance

Key theories

Anomie/strain

Merton located deviance in the gap between culturally prescribed goals and legitimate means.

Labelling theory

Becker argued deviance is created by social groups making and applying rules — the deviant is one to whom the label has been successfully applied.

Stigma

Goffman analysed how 'spoiled identities' are managed in interaction.

History

From Durkheim's view of deviance as normal and Merton's strain theory, the field turned in the 1960s to labelling (Becker) and stigma (Goffman), emphasizing how societal reaction constructs deviance, and later to social-control and constructionist perspectives.

Debates

Are deviants different, or are they labelled?

Whether deviance lies in the act and actor or in society's reaction and labelling.

Key figures

• Robert K. Merton
• Howard Becker
• Erving Goffman

Seminal works

• merton-1938
• becker-1963
• goffman-1963

Frequently asked questions

What is labelling theory?

The view that deviance is not inherent in an act but results from society defining and labelling certain acts and people as deviant.