Social Inequality, Deviance, and Social Control

Posted on Jan 26, 2025 in Psychology and Sociology

Inequality and Its Dimensions

Inequality manifests in two primary forms:

  • Inequality of conditions: This refers to the unequal distribution of income, wealth, and material goods, such as housing. Examples include the stark contrast between adequate housing and homelessness.
  • Inequality of opportunities: This involves the unequal distribution of life chances, including access to education, healthcare, and fair treatment by the criminal justice system.

We study inequality as a problem with three dimensions:

  1. Structural conditions
  2. Ideological support
  3. Social reforms

Explaining Poverty

There are two contrasting perspectives on the causes of poverty:

  • Blaming the poor: This view holds that individuals are responsible for their own poverty. It suggests that society offers ample opportunities for work, but some individuals lack the motivation, skills, or education to succeed.
  • Blaming society: This perspective argues that society is responsible for poverty due to a lack of sufficient jobs to support families.

Theoretical Perspectives on Inequality

Functionalist Perspective

Functionalists believe that inequality is inevitable, desirable, and plays an important function in society. They argue that important positions require more training and should, therefore, receive greater rewards. This creates a meritocracy based on ability.

Conflict Perspective

Conflict theorists view inequality as a result of powerful groups dominating less powerful ones. They believe that social inequality hinders societal progress, as those in power suppress the powerless to maintain the status quo. This domination is often achieved through ideology, a process known as “Cultural Hegemony.”

Deviance and Social Control

What is Deviance?

Deviance is the violation of society’s norms, which evokes negative reactions from others. This definition is imprecise because ideas and laws about which acts are considered deviant are constantly changing. Deviance is socially constructed, meaning that members of groups within society define what is considered deviant. Some acts are considered deviant at one time and place but not at others.

According to structural-functional theory, deviance serves vital functions:

  • Setting examples of unacceptable behavior
  • Providing guidelines for behavior necessary to maintain social order
  • Bonding people together

Sociologists consider that the socialization process, interpersonal relationships, group and social class differences, cultural and subcultural norms, and power structures influence individuals to conform to or deviate from social expectations.

  • Deviance, the violation of social norms, including formal laws, is a complex behavior with both positive and negative consequences for individuals and society.
  • At the meso level, organized and occupational crimes can cost billions and endanger thousands of lives.
  • At the macro level, some crimes are facilitated by global networks and global inequities of power and wealth.

Social Control Theory

Social control theory seeks to explain why people conform most of the time and do not commit deviant acts. Living with others requires controlling behavior based on social standards and sanctions. Social control results from social norms that promote order and predictability. When people fail to adhere to these norms, or when the norms are unclear, the stability of the system may be threatened.

People are bonded to society through:

  • Attachment to others who respect societal values and rules
  • Involvement in activities that keep them engaged
  • Commitment to conventional activities

Rational Choice Theory

Rational choice theory posits that individuals make decisions by calculating the costs and benefits of their actions. Humans seek to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. This theory assumes that offenders are self-interested individuals seeking to maximize their goals.

Differential Association Theory or Reinforcement Theory

This theory refers to two processes that can lead individuals to engage in crime. It focuses on learning deviance from family, peers, and colleagues. The emphasis is on how others shape one’s definition of what is acceptable.

  1. Association with others who share criminal values and commit crimes results in learning how to carry out criminal acts.
  2. Social learning also results in the reinforcement of criminal behavior.

The likelihood of becoming deviant depends on four factors:

  • Duration
  • Intensity
  • Priority
  • Frequency