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Introduction to Sociology ©2017 South University W4L4 Who determines and defines the norms of a society? This is an important question because the norms that are accepted will define who is deviant and who will face sanctions by society. Social conflict theorists argue that those who have power in a society will set the norms that will be applied to all others. For example, laws are determined by lawyers, judges and politicians and enforced by the police. We can see this determination of norms by examining white collar crime.

It has very negative effects on society but those who commit it usually avoid being labeled as criminals. Statistical data can differentiate between those who are considered deviant and those who are not. By knowing this, we can deduce which groups are defining the norms of society. Official statistics show that arrest rates generally peak for in late adolescence and then decline as age advances. Three of every four people apprehended by police are arrested for property crimes.

Additionally, males commit 84% of violent crimes. Those who are poor are found to commit more street crime than the affluent. Many more whites than African Americans are arrested for street crime but on a proportional basis for population many more African Americans are arrested. Additionally, considerably fewer Asian Americans are arrested for crime. The police have a great deal of discretion in making arrest.

There is a much greater chance of an arrest if there is a serious crime, there are witnesses to the crime, or if an African American has been accused. The American Justice System is an adversarial court system but most cases are resolved through plea bargains. Importantly, regardless of how efficient the American Justice System is, it places those who have less power and influence at a great disadvantage. Introduction to Sociology ©2017 South University W4L2 Both conformity and deviants are shaped by society. This is evident in three ways; first, deviants exist only in relation to cultural norms.

If a behavior is not a norm, then it is considered deviant. For example, if a person colors her hair blue, then she is considered deviant by everyone else who follows the norm of non-blue hair. Second, people become deviant as others define them that way. If the same person colors her hair blue, but no one sees her, then she is not deviant because she has not been labeled deviant. To be deviant, you must be labeled as such.

Finally, both norms and the way people define situations involve social power. Generally speaking, those in power are the ones who define the norms. For example, if the popular group in a high school colors their hair blue they likely will redefine the norm of coloring hair for the school. Contrary to general belief deviants plays a very important role in our society. One of the founders of sociology à‰mile Durkheim asserted that Deviants is an integral part of all societies and serves four major functions, these include affirming cultural values and norms, clarifying moral boundaries, promoting social unity, encouraging social change.

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The Social Construction of Norms and Deviance in Society

Introduction

Norms in a society play a significant role in determining acceptable behavior, guiding individuals in their interactions, and defining the parameters of deviance. The question of who decides these norms is crucial as it can determine who is labeled as deviant and, consequently, who may face societal sanctions. This essay examines the influence of power dynamics in creating societal norms, explores the relationship between deviance and societal definitions of acceptable behavior, and highlights the implications for marginalized groups.

The Power to Define Norms

Social conflict theorists assert that power dynamics within society heavily influence the establishment of norms. Those who wield power—such as politicians, legal authorities, and influential community leaders—play a pivotal role in defining what is deemed acceptable behavior (Macionis, 2017). For instance, laws that govern societal behavior are created by individuals in positions of authority, such as judges and lawmakers, then enforced by law enforcement officials (Hagan, 2017). As a result, they shape the way society perceives and categorizes deviant behavior.
White-collar crimes, which pertain to nonviolent actions, often illustrate this concept. Individuals engaged in white-collar offenses—such as fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading—frequently evade the same labeling and repercussions as individuals committing street crimes (Sutherland, 1949). These differential treatments reveal a bias intrinsic to our justice system, which often favors the powerful while marginalizing those without resources (Chambliss, 1995).

Statistical Discrepancies and Deviance

Statistical data highlight stark contrasts between groups labeled as deviant based on social norms. Research shows that crime rates indicate discrepancies based on demographics, with males committing about 84% of violent crimes, and marginalized socio-economic groups disproportionately represented among street crime offenders (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2020). In contrast, the rates of arrests for white-collar crime remain comparatively low despite their damaging impacts, suggesting that the definitions of deviance are often limited to behaviors more typical among the disadvantaged.
Furthermore, police discretion plays a significant role in making arrests, culminating in higher rates of apprehension for certain demographic groups, particularly African Americans, even when they're accused of equivalent crimes (Epp, et al., 2014). This disparity showcases how societal definitions of deviance are not universally applied but instead favor those with societal power, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.

The Relativity of Deviance

Deviance is intrinsically linked to cultural norms, rendering it a relative concept. What constitutes deviance in one cultural context may be entirely acceptable in another. In essence, deviance exists solely in relation to societal expectations; it is the deviation from these established norms that necessitates labeling (Becker, 1963).
For instance, an individual who dyes their hair blue may be considered deviant in a conservative context, whereas, in a progressive environment, it may be a celebrated form of self-expression. This situation emphasizes that deviance is a social construct positioned within power dynamics influencing societal norms.
The labeling perspective further posits that individuals are not inherently deviant; instead, they become deviant when others label them as such (Lemert, 1951). If a person with blue hair is not subject to social scrutiny or labeling, they may not consider themselves deviant or face any social repercussions. This framework emphasizes that deviance is not only a behavior but also a social relationship — it relies on public perception and response.

The Role of Deviance in Society

Despite the negative connotations often associated with deviant behavior, Émile Durkheim, a foundational figure in sociology, argued that deviance serves essential functions within society. According to Durkheim, deviants help affirm cultural values and norms by highlighting the boundaries of acceptable behavior (Durkheim, 1897). For instance, by confronting individuals who breach societal rules, society reinforces what is deemed acceptable and moral.
Deviance also facilitates social unity by fostering a sense of community among the conforming populace in opposition to deviant behaviors (Durkheim, 1893). Furthermore, it can serve as a catalyst for social change by challenging repressive norms and encouraging societies to reconsider and evolve their values. The feminist movements, LGBTQ+ rights movements, and civil rights efforts often began as deviant challenges to prevailing societal norms, eventually leading to critical reforms (Tilly, 2004).

Conclusion

The establishment and enforcement of societal norms are inexorably linked to power dynamics, underlining a social hierarchy that privileges certain groups while marginalizing others. The labeling of deviance is subjective and varies widely based on cultural context, power relations, and public perception. Despite societal efforts to define and restrict deviant behavior, deviance plays an integral role in reinforcing norms, promoting social cohesion, and inspiring social change. As we navigate the complexities of norms and deviance, it is imperative to recognize the influence of power structures that shape societal definitions and consequences of deviant behavior.

References

1. Becker, H. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance. Free Press.
2. Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2020). Crime Statistics. U.S. Department of Justice.
3. Chambliss, W. J. (1995). Social Control. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
4. Durkheim, É. (1893). The Division of Labor in Society. Free Press.
5. Durkheim, É. (1897). Suicide: A Study in Sociology. The Free Press.
6. Epp, C. R., Maynard-Moody, S., & Haider-Markel, D. P. (2014). Pulled Over: How Police Stops Define Race and Citizenship. University of Chicago Press.
7. Hagan, J. (2017). Justice in the Shadows: The Role of Informal Social Control in the Regulation of Deviance. Cambridge University Press.
8. Macionis, J. J. (2017). Sociology. Pearson Education.
9. Sutherland, E. H. (1949). Principles of Criminology. Lippincott.
10. Tilly, C. (2004). Social Movements, 1768–2004. Paradigm Publishers.