Exploring Social Behavior, Deviance, and Inequality in Society

This essay delves into the sociological concepts of social behavior, deviance, and social inequality. It examines how societal norms are established and how deviance is defined and perceived through different theoretical lenses. The essay explores the functionalist perspective, which views deviance as potentially beneficial for societal adaptation, and the conflict theory, which attributes deviance to material and political inequalities. It also discusses the symbolic interactionist approach, which focuses on how individuals adapt to deviant subcultures. Furthermore, the essay addresses the causes of social inequality, presenting the "blame the poor" and "blame society" viewpoints prevalent in the U.S. context. The essay includes references to support the discussed concepts and theories.

Running Head: SOCIOLOGY 0
Social Behaviour

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Social equalities and social behaviour are evolved from society itself. They define what is
standard and what is measured deviant. Various researchers determine deviance as the
“violation of norms” (Conrad & Barker, 2010). Within the boundary of society, this type of
non-compliance can be term as minute as messaging while driving which reflects as a form of
informal deviance, or it can be as severe as murder which would be evaluated as formal
deviance. The act can just not be considered as offensive, however, it is the perception of the
society towards the action that makes its deviant.
Deviance is viewed with Functionalism to be a positive role in the boundary of society to
benefit adapt diverse individuals within a definite society. There is a line of restrictions
considering deviance relating to what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. Based on
functionalism, it also develops a sort of association of those who do adequate behaviour
against those of unacceptable ones. Such a mentality called as relationship. Due to deviant
behaviour, it is possible for social equilibrium to become imbalanced however, it is possible
to reinstate the balance of society’s norms.
It is also argued under conflict theory that deviant conduct is generated from the behaviour
from material inequalities, cultural and political aspects of a social group. A lot, people act
out by hanging or dressing out with various group of individual. According to Zembroski
(2011), one of the causes of crime and deviance is social disorganisation. There is also larger
outcome of deviance seen in the people who grew up in poor households in relation to those
whose growth is supported by wealthy backgrounds.
In perspective of symbolic interactionist, the outlook of deviance as the people who do
unusual things acclimate to a “deviant subculture” (Mansyur et al, 2008). By this means,
people believe that they are more relaxed and feel like they belong with the people who
comprehend their lifestyle of doing the abnormal. For instance, society does not welcome a
convicted individual that has just gotten out of custodial in a kindness way, the individual
may stroll near others ex-inmate to gain a sense of belonging for an objective and thus
leading to formation of a sub-culture.
The causative factors to social inequality can be specified by two theories that are happening
in the U.S. and they are categorised as “blame the poor” and “blame society” (Da Costa &
Dias, 2015). To blame society reflects that society is the cause for poverty. It was difficult for
American as, without work, they can support either themselves as well as their families. On
the other hand, to blame the poor reflects that poor are at liable for being poor. The

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deficiency of occupation is reasonable as being a scarcity of skills, motivation and education
to find themselves work.

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References
Conrad, P., & Barker, K. K. (2010). The social construction of illness: Key insights and
policy implications. Journal of health and social behavior, 51(1), S67-S79.
Da Costa, L. P., & Dias, J. G. (2015). What do Europeans believe to be the causes of
poverty? A multilevel analysis of heterogeneity within and between countries. Social
Indicators Research, 122(1), 1-20.
Mansyur, C., Amick, B. C., Harrist, R. B., & Franzini, L. (2008). Social capital, income
inequality, and self-rated health in 45 countries. Social science & medicine, 66(1), 43-
56.
Zembroski, D. (2011). Sociological theories of crime and delinquency. Journal of Human
Behavior in the Social Environment, 21(3), 240-254.