Introduction to Sociology: Key Concepts and Theories
Chapter 7: Social Control & Deviance
Definitions
Internalization: The process by which a norm becomes part of an individual’s personality, thus conditioning that individual to conform to society’s expectations.
Sanctions: The rewards & punishments used to reinforce conformity to norms.
Social Control: Enforcing norms through either internal or external means.
Deviance: A behavior that violates significant social norms.
Stigma: A mark of social disgrace that sets a deviant individual apart from
Read MoreClassical and Contemporary Sociological Theories
Rousseau’s Concept of the Individual/Society Relationship
Rousseau believed in the social contract, where individuals agree to certain terms for the betterment of society. This might involve relinquishing some freedoms in exchange for security and social order. Individuals may hold diverse opinions and desires based on their circumstances. Humans adapt to their environment and are shaped by it. Rousseau highlights two driving principles in the state of nature: pity and self-preservation.
Weber’s Key
Read MoreClassical Sociological Theory: Perspectives on Individual, Society, and Power
The Individual and Society: A Sociological Perspective
Rousseau’s Social Contract
Rousseau believed in the social contract, a concept where individuals agree to certain limitations on their freedoms in exchange for the security and benefits of living in a society. This exchange implies that individuals may have to relinquish some personal liberties for the greater good of the collective.
Rousseau also argued that individuals are shaped by their environment and driven by two primary principles: pity
Read MoreDeviance and Social Control: A Sociological Perspective
What is Deviance?
Deviance refers to the recognized violation of cultural norms. It encompasses actions, qualities, or behaviors that deviate from accepted societal standards.
Social Foundations of Deviance
Social Control
Social control refers to the attempts by society to regulate individuals’ thoughts and behaviors, encouraging conformity to established norms. It operates through:
- Informal responses: Everyday interactions like praise or scolding from parents.
- Formal responses: Institutionalized systems
Child Marginalization: Types, Characteristics, and Causes
Typology of Child Marginalization: Characteristics of the Misfit Child
Social Exclusion and Marginalization
Social exclusion highlights the status of an individual or group in relation to what is considered “normal” in society, compared to a reference group. Marginalization signifies a position of inferiority relative to a larger group. It implies a lack of access to economic resources, social services, and decision-making power.
Factors Contributing to Child Exclusion
Child exclusion stems from various
Read MoreGender Studies: Key Concepts and Definitions
Sex and Gender
The sex-gender system explains how societal beliefs, values, and behaviors differ for males and females based solely on biological sex (male or female). While sex refers to biological anatomy, gender is a social construct that varies across time and cultures.
French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir’s book “The Second Sex” (1949) initiated the distinction between biological sex and social gender roles. Her famous statement, “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman,” highlighted the
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