Psychological Theories of Deviance how society responds to it.

Key sociological
theories of deviance include:
Psychological theories of deviance focus on
individual mental processes and personality 1. Strain Theory
characteristics that lead to deviant behavior. These o Proponent: Robert Merton
theories examine how mental health issues, o Concept: Deviance arises when
personality traits, and cognitive processes contribute there is a discrepancy between
to behaviors that deviate from social norms. Key culturally approved goals and the
psychological theories of deviance include: legitimate means to achieve them.
o Mechanism: When individuals
1. Psychoanalytic Theory cannot achieve societal goals (e.g.,
o Proponent: Sigmund Freud wealth, success) through legitimate
o Concept: Deviant behavior arises means (e.g., education,
from unconscious conflicts and employment), they may resort to
repressed impulses. deviance (e.g., theft, fraud) as an
o Mechanism: Unresolved conflicts alternative path.
from early childhood experiences 2. Labeling Theory
can manifest as deviant behavior in o Proponents: Howard Becker, Edwin
adulthood. The id, ego, and superego Lemert
are in constant conflict, and failure to o Concept: Deviance is a result of
properly balance these can lead to societal labels and the reactions of
deviance. others to those labels.
2. Cognitive Theory o Mechanism: When individuals are
o Proponents: Jean Piaget, Aaron labeled as deviant, they may
Beck internalize this label and continue to
o Concept: Deviance results from engage in deviant behavior. The
faulty or irrational thinking patterns. label can lead to a self-fulfilling
o Mechanism: Cognitive distortions prophecy where the individual lives
and negative thought patterns can up to the deviant identity.
lead individuals to justify deviant 3. Differential Association Theory
behavior. For example, someone o Proponent: Edwin Sutherland
might rationalize stealing because o Concept: Deviance is learned
they believe everyone else does it. through interactions with others who
3. Social Learning Theory engage in deviant behavior.
o Proponents: Albert Bandura o Mechanism: Individuals are more
o Concept: Deviance is learned likely to engage in deviance if they
through observing and imitating frequently associate with others who
others. value and engage in deviant acts. The
o Mechanism: Individuals observe the frequency, duration, and intensity of
behavior of role models and imitate these associations influence the
it, especially if the behavior is seen likelihood of deviant behavior.
to be rewarded. This includes 4. Control Theory
learning from family, peers, and o Proponent: Travis Hirschi
media. o Concept: Deviance occurs when an
individual's bonds to society are
weakened or broken.
Sociological Theories of Deviance o Mechanism: Strong social bonds
(e.g., attachment to family,
Sociological theories of deviance examine how commitment to school) prevent
social structures, interactions, and cultural norms deviance. When these bonds are
influence deviant behavior. These theories explore weak, individuals have less to lose
the social context in which deviance occurs and
 by engaging in deviant behavior and
are more likely to do so. o Proponents: Travis Hirschi, Walter
5. Conflict Theory Reckless
o Proponents: Karl Marx, Richard o Concept: People avoid deviant
Quinney behavior when they have strong
o Concept: Deviance arises from bonds to society.
social inequalities and power o Mechanism: Bonds include
differentials. attachment to others, commitment to
o Mechanism: Those in power define conventional activities, involvement
what is considered deviant to in such activities, and belief in social
maintain control and suppress rules' moral validity.
challenges to their authority. Laws 10. Stigma
and norms reflect the interests of the o Proponent: Erving Goffman
powerful, and those marginalized by o Concept: Stigma is an attribute that
society are more likely to be labeled discredits an individual, leading to
as deviant. social exclusion and discrimination.
6. Functionalism 11. Moral Entrepreneurs
o Proponents: Emile Durkheim, o Proponent: Howard Becker
Robert Merton o Concept: Moral entrepreneurs
o Concept: Deviance serves a social advocate for certain behaviors to be
function by clarifying norms, labeled deviant and for norms against
promoting social unity, and initiating them to be enforced.
social change. 12. Social Construction of Deviance
o Mechanism: Deviant behavior o Concept: Deviance is a social
highlights the boundaries of construct, varying across cultures
acceptable behavior, reinforcing and time periods, shaped by societal
societal norms and values. It can also reactions and definitions.
prompt changes in laws and social
policies.
7. Symbolic Interactionism
o Proponents: George Herbert Mead,
Herbert Blumer
o Concept: Deviance is a product of
social interactions and the meanings
individuals attach to behaviors.
o Mechanism: Through social
interactions, individuals learn what
behaviors are considered deviant and
how to navigate their social world.
The meanings attached to behaviors
can change over time and across
different contexts.
8. Primary vs. Secondary Deviance
o Primary Deviance: Minor, occasional
norm-breaking not central to an
individual’s identity.
o Secondary Deviance: Deviant
behavior becomes a central part of
the individual’s lifestyle and self-
concept.
9. Social Control Theory