Sociologists use the concept “relativity of deviance” to describe how acts of deviance can vary among groups, often within the same society. Thus, it is not the act itself, but rather how a group labels and responds to an act that determines if the act is deviant in society. Consider the recent policy from the National Football League (NFL) regarding players standing for the national anthem.
NFL owners have unanimously approved a new national anthem policy that requires players to stand if they are on the field during the performance but gives them the option to remain in the locker room if they prefer. (The policy is currently on hold as of July 2018).
The policy subjects teams to a fine if a player or any other team personnel do not show respect for the anthem. That includes any attempt to sit or kneel, as dozens of players have done during the past two seasons to protest racial inequality and police brutality. Those teams also will have the option to fine any team personnel, including players, for the infraction.
This discussion will require you to apply three sociological concepts and/or theories related to deviance to analyze the existing tension regarding the National Anthem during NFL games. How can the policy be viewed as “deviant” from multiple sides of this discussion. Consider the perspective of the thirty-two team owners, the players and the fans who purchase tickets to the game and subscribe to football packages each season.
