Sociology Chapter 9 What is Deviance

Social control

attempts by society to regulate peoples thoughts and behaviors

In Sociological theories of deviance behavior and individuals become

deviant as others define them that way

Biological Theories

focus on individual abnormally and explain human behavior as the result of biological instincts

Psychological theories

focus on individual abnormally and see deviance as the result of "unsuccessful socialization"

In Sociological theories of deviance what is deviant varies from

place to place according to cultural norms

Deviance

refers to norm violations ranging from minor infractions, such as bad manners, to major infractions, such as serious violence

In Sociological theories of deviance what and who a society defines as deviant

reflect who has and does not have social power

Crime

the violation of a society's formally enacted criminal law

Sociological theories

view all behavior- deviance as well as conformity - as products of society.

Criminal Justice System

the organization - police, courts, and prison officials- that respond to alleged violation of the law