Deviant behavior
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Define deviant behavior from a conflict and functionalist perspective.
What are the sociological viewpoints (conflict and functionalist perspectives) of the state and government? How do they differ?
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Solution Summary
Defines deviant behavior from a conflict and functionalist perspective. It also discusses the sociological viewpoints (conflict and functionalist perspectives) of the state and government, as well as how they differ. References are included.
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RESPONSE:
1. Define deviant behavior from a conflict and functionalist perspective.
Functionalist Perspective:
Functionalist theories of deviance focus on the preservation of social order and contributes to change. From this perspective, deviance helps maintain social cohesion and the collective conscious. Deviance contributes to social order is a Durkheimian theme. For example, "Durkheim emphasized the importance of deviance in society as a tool for boundary maintenance. The media, who reports on deviance and the accompanying punishment, serve to educate the public by restating society's rules. Punishing violators reaffirms the rightness of society and its rules" (http://www.delmar.edu/socsci/rlong/intro/deviance.htm).
EXAMPLE: Degradation ceremonies
Rituals play a role in boundary maintenance. A group that discovers a deviant in their fold will attempt to "mark" that deviant for everyone can see. The individual is called before the group to account for his or her deviance. People will testify against him. The individual is found guilty. Finally, an effort is made to strip the individual of his or her group membership. An example of degradation ...
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