Question

Which sociological perspective do you think provides the best explanation of deviance and crime? Explain why, illustrating your answer with specific examples.

Answer 1

Deviance:

Deviance is the violation of social norms. Deviations may vary according to the society’s perception and time. The higher authority will decide whether the activity is right or wrong. The people who deviate will be punished by stigma. Crime is an example for deviance.

Crime:

Crime is an illegal action that is punishable by law.

Symbolic interactionist:

Symbolic interactionists’ perspective on deviance and crime provides the best explanation. It states that the people who are committing the deviance or crime are influenced by the behavior of their parents or friends. It explains the deviance with the theories like differential association theory and labeling theory.

Differential association theory is a perspective, which states that the people can learn the deviance through interaction with others.

Labelling theory is the perspective, which states that the reaction of the society to such behavior is the major factor in describing oneself as a deviant.

Conclusion:

Deviance is the violation of social norms. Deviations may vary according to the society’s perception and time. If the people are labelled as deviant or criminal, they will develop self-concepts on deviation and will engage in criminal activity.