Sociological Perspectives on Deviant Behavior and Marginalization

Running head: SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Sociology and Social Science
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SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE1
Table of Contents
Introduction:...............................................................................................................................2
Discussion:.................................................................................................................................3
Conclusion:................................................................................................................................5
References:.................................................................................................................................6

SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE2
Introduction:
Deviance in a sociological context is understood as behavior that is contrary to
the dominant norms of a society. There are several perspectives on why an act
comes to be seen as deviant and why some members of a community engage in
such behaviors (Craib 2015). Out of the Biological, Psychological, and
Sociological viewpoints, in this essay, the sociological perspectives will be
studied to provide insights into why some social groups are marginalized in
society because of deviant behavior.
Four major sociological perspectives for undestanding deviant behavior
are( Franzese 2015):
Structural Strain Theory: Robert K Merton, an American sociologist, postulated
the structural strain theory which extended the functionalist perspective on
deviance. Culture establishes goals in a society, and social structures is the
ground through which people can attain those goals. This theory posited the idea
that when a society fails to provide the means to reach the goals the culture has
set then the people who are unable to attain the goals resort to deviant behavior
to achieve those goals.
Labelling Theory: Labelling Theory is another important sociological concept to
understand deviant behavior. It falls under symbolic interactionism that states
that meaning is derived by people by interacting with one another's labels,
actions, symbols, etc. Hence, because of socialization conforming members of
society who integrate the norms of society will label anything different as
deviant. Labeling theory tries to highlight who is using the labels and to whom.
When labeling is done by a privileged section of a society who wield power, then
labeling can lead to systemic discrimination.
Social Control Theory: Social Control theory was first formulated by Walter
Reckless, and this theory suggests that on an individual both inner and outer
control acts to resist deviant behavior. External controls are the influences of
parents, friends, and society at large. And internal control is the self-control to
resist urges in engaging in deviant behavior.