Social Functions of Deviance

1
Social Functions of Deviance

• The rules of sociological method, by Emile
  Durkheim state that deviance has some uses in
  social life.

2
Clarifying Norms

• Serves to define the boundaries of acceptable
  behavior
• When rule are broken and the guilty parties are
  caught, members of society are reminded of the
  norms that guide social life
• The punishment serves as a warning to others.
• Example harsh prison sentences
• People choose not to commit deviant acts if warned

3
Unifying the group

• Draws line between conforming members of society
  and outsiders
• Us against Them
• Reinforces sense of community
• Beliefs in shared values
• Important to the maintenance of group unity

4
Diffusing tension

• When people are unhappy they may want to strike
  out at society
• Minor acts of deviance serve as a safety net
• Allows individuals to relieve tension without
  disrupting the basic fabric of life
• Demonstrations, protest, small outburst

5
Promoting Social Change

• Helps to promote change by identifying problems
• When a large number of people violate a
  particular norm
• This indicates that something in society needs to
  be changed
• Women's movement, Civil Rights, gay Movement

6
Providing Jobs

• Law enforcement
• Court personal
• Corrections
• Treatment programs
• Lawyers
• Judges
• Parole officers