Objective: Demonstrate understanding of deviance theories and societal reactions to deviant behavior by analyzing real-world instances and applying sociological concepts.
Instructions:
This assignment has several parts to it. Please be sure to take some time to review and begin working on this assignment. It will be due in Module 6.
Part One:
Deviance and Cultural Variations:
Choose two behaviors or actions that are considered deviant in one culture but acceptable in another. Include the cultures you are researching. Use sources to support your choices.
Analyze the cultural contexts that lead to varying perceptions of these behaviors.
Discuss the impact of societal reactions on defining deviance within these cultural settings.
Part Two:
Deviance Theories in Practice:
Select a recent event or case from the media involving deviant behavior.
Apply at least two deviance theories (e.g., Structural Functionalism, Labeling Theory) to interpret the behavior and societal reactions.
Assess how these theories help understand the occurrence and consequences of the deviant behavior in the chosen context.
Part Three:
Merton’s Structural Strain Theory:
Examine a societal issue where goals are established, and legitimate means to achieve them are defined.
Apply Merton’s categories (conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion) to individuals or groups within this societal aspect.
Discuss how the theory helps explain divergent behaviors and adaptations within the societal structure.
Part Four:
Impact of Social Stigma:
Investigate a real-life scenario where individuals faced social stigma due to a deviant label (e.g., criminal record, sex offender, mental health condition).
Analyze the consequences of this stigma on the individuals’ opportunities, interactions, and societal integration.
Propose strategies or interventions to mitigate social stigma and its effects on those labeled as deviant.
Part Five:
Changing Norms and Deviance:
Explore a societal norm that has shifted over time regarding what is considered deviant behavior (e.g., acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights).
Investigate the factors contributing to this change in societal perceptions of deviance.
Reflect on how these shifts in norms impact individuals and broader societal attitudes towards deviance.
Part Six:
Crime and Societal Response:
Research a historical case (relevant today) where a particular behavior was criminalized and later decriminalized or normalized by society (e.g., drug possession laws).
Analyze the social, political, and/or economic factors that led to this change in legislation or societal attitudes.
Evaluate the implications of such shifts in criminalization on affected communities and societal structures.
Presentation Format:
Compile responses in an essay, report, or presentation format following the outlined structure.
Use real-world examples, statistics, and scholarly references to support your analysis.
Provide citations or references for all external sources used.
Submission Guidelines:
Submit a report or presentation adhering to the provided structure and addressing each point thoroughly.
Ensure coherence, clarity, and critical analysis in your responses.
Incorporate diverse examples and credible sources to support your arguments.
*Submit in APA format
