In every social context and set of human relationships, rules and expectations govern and control how we act and how others react to us. Sociologists refer to these rules as norms -- expectations about virtually every aspect of our conduct, appearance, and status. Norm violations are referred to social deviance or deviant behavior. In most social contexts, we don't even think about the norms governing us and others. But when we violate a widely held norm -- say, speaking with a very loud voice in a quiet religious ceremony, telling a very offensive joke in a diverse group, or committing a visible criminal act -- the reactions of others will be different but probably severe.
Sociologists who study deviant behavior ask questions about the causes of deviant behavior and the impact of being identified as someone who is deviant. Why do people violate norms? Are people who just happen to be different – say, by virtue of their backgrounds, race, gender, or orientation – routinely designated as deviants? Does this occur in some social contexts and not others? And what are the stigmatizing effects of being designated as deviant?
Our class will study these questions, reviewing sociological theories of deviant behavior and social stigma. Students will read, discuss, and write about the causes of deviant behavior and the impact of social stigma on the lives of those designated as deviant. The course has three goals related to what students will learn. First, they will develop knowledge about many aspects social deviance, specifically:
- Explanations of how and why people violate social norms,
- Conditions in which norms are broken and sanctions imposed, and
- Stigmatizing effects of being sanctioned for violating social norms.
Second, students will learn to read, interpret, and critically evaluate research on the creation of social norms and norm violations. Third, students will develop skills in applying knowledge about social deviance and how people adapt to being designated as deviant.
We'll meet in person and online over the course of Spring quarter.