SOC 2070 Final Exam

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Sociology

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Apr 3, 2024

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Take Home Final Exam SOC 2070 Social Deviance December Question 1 (Word Count: 502) The relationship between media and deviance is complex and diverse, and it is deeply intertwined with societal perceptions and constructs. Media, in its various forms such as news, entertainment, or social media, play a pivotal role in shaping, perpetuating, and sometimes even challenging societal definitions of deviance. Firstly, media significantly impacts the construction of norms and values within a society. It acts as a mirror that reflects and sometimes amplifies societal attitudes towards behaviors, labeling certain actions or individuals as deviant. Through its narratives, it constructs definitive boundaries that shape our perceptions of "us" versus "them." For example, in the textbook, This power of definition is evident in the portrayal of mothers within news media. There is a clear distinction between the admired image of good mothers who nurture and devote themselves to their children and the stigmatized representation of terrible mothers who commit infanticide (Bereska, 2021, ch.4). Furthermore, complexities exist within this portrayal, categorizing "bad" moms based on numerous characteristics such as poverty, mental illness, single motherhood, and youth factors (Bereska, 2021, ch.4). The media narrative frequently portrays a sympathetic picture of these women, attributing their acts to circumstances beyond their control and expressing sympathy for their suffering. The media significantly shapes and perpetuates perceptions of deviance, particularly in the realm of cybercrime. The digital landscape has become a basis for deviant behaviours, with

media platforms often inadvertently facilitating or normalizing such actions. Through the portrayal of hackers or cybercriminals in movies, TV shows, and news coverage, the media knowingly promote or sensationalizes these actions (Bereska, 2021, ch.4). These depictions can serve as blueprints or inspirations for individuals seeking to engage in illicit cyber activities. Moreover, the way cybercrime is presented in the media frequently portrays a disparity between sophisticated, tech-savvy criminals and authorities, reinforcing a sense of rebellion and excitement around these deviant behaviours (Bereska, 2021, ch.4). As a result, the media not only reflects but also perpetuates deviant behaviors within the realm of cybercrime, influencing perceptions and potentially shaping the actions of individuals in this domain. The influence of media and deviance can also be seen through a phenomenon called the deviance dance, where different facets of media present conflicting or complementary perspectives on deviant behaviours or identities. One segment of the media might socially type a specific behavior as deviant, while another faction contradicts or resists that label, illustrating a dynamic interplay of perspectives within the media landscape (Bereska 2021, ch.4). This dance is further exemplified in online debates where divergent opinions on what constitutes deviance collide, creating a platform for discourse and negotiation of societal norms. Also, the media serves as a channel for resistance against established notions of deviance. It becomes a tool for empowerment, especially evident in the realm of social media. Marginalized groups leverage these platforms to amplify their voices, challenging mainstream narratives and offering alternative perspectives on what is considered deviant (Bereska, 2021, ch.4). Social media's democratizing nature allows for previously silenced voices to participate in shaping societal discourses, advocating for inclusivity, and redefining the boundaries of deviance. Question 4 (Word Count: 617)

Objective and subjective theories represent contrasting perspectives in understanding social phenomena, offering distinct lenses through which we interpret and analyze societal issues. Objectivism perceives deviance as an inherent quality within an act, behavior, or characteristic. It operates on the premise that certain actions possess an inherent deviant quality regardless of societal perceptions (Bereska, 2021, ch.1). On the other hand, subjectivism views deviance as a label imposed by influential societal groups. It contends that what is considered deviant is largely shaped by societal norms and values rather than inherent qualities within the actions or individuals themselves. An objective theory, such as functionalism, analyzes deviance within the context of societal functions and structures (Bereska, 2021, ch.2). Applying this to the theme of homelessness, structural functionalism explores how homelessness disrupts the stability of societal functions and institutions. It focuses on the dysfunctions caused by homelessness, such as strain on social services or disruptions in community cohesion such as squatting, emphasizing the objective impact of homelessness on societal structures. Despite squatting being a common practice, it is actually viewed as deviant because people are living in property where they are not permitted to be (Burgum, 2022). Functionalism would consider squatting as both a deviant act disrupting the established norms of property ownership and, in certain cases, an adaptive response that fulfills certain societal needs. Another objectivist theory would be neutralization theory. This theory emphasizes 5 techniques of neutralization: denial of responsibility, denial of injury, denial of the victim, condemnation of the condemners, and appealing to higher loyalties. In particular one technique is prevalent in the theme regarding media and deviance of cybercrime engagement. Denial of

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injury technique is the rationalization that one's actions in deviant behavior, such as cybercrime, do not cause significant harm or damage (Bereska, 2021, ch.2). Perpetrators might rationalize their actions by arguing that their cyber activities do not cause tangible harm. For instance, hackers may justify their actions by claiming they are merely testing security vulnerabilities without intending to cause significant damage. This denial of the potential harm downplays the consequences of their actions, allowing them to neutralize guilt and justify their behavior. On the other hand, looking at subjectivist theory would be symbolic interactionism, which is the theoretical perspective that describes society as a collection of social interactions that occur through communication via symbols (Bereska, 2021, ch.3). This theory relates to the theme of youth by examining how societal perceptions of youth are constructed through symbols and subjective interactions. It explores how stereotypes or cultural representations shape the experiences and identities of young people, highlighting the nature of youthhood. The concept of a generation gap in youth as deviant aligns with symbolic interactionism by highlighting the subjective interpretations and meanings attributed to generational differences (Bereska, 2021, ch.6). The divergence in values, behaviours, and perspectives between generations is symbolically constructed through interactions, leading to the labeling of certain youth behaviors or attitudes as deviant by older generations, reflecting the subjective nature of deviance within societal interactions and perceptions. Another subjectivist theory would be labeling theory, which is when individuals are labelled as deviant or not according to societal norms and history. In the context of gender and sexuality, labeling theory displays how societal norms and institutions impose labels that shape individual’s self-perception and societal treatment. labeling theory highlights the consequences of these societal labels on individuals' identities. It explores how individuals react to being

labeled as deviant based on their gender expression or sexual orientation, potentially internalizing or resisting these labels. This process of labeling and the subsequent social reactions contribute to the formation of identities within the context of gender and sexuality, illustrating the subjective nature of these labels and their impact on individuals' lived experiences. Question 5 (Word Count: 400) Critical theory looks at that societal norms and rules aren't products of consensus but are established through conflict, primarily benefiting influential societal groups. Those in power are incentivized to uphold these rules, while marginalized groups, either due to their sense of oppression or because societal norms label their actions as deviant, are more inclined to violate these rules, leading to a cycle that perpetuates inequality and social division (Bereska 2021, ch.3). Scenario: Daisey, a 16-year-old girl, actively engages with social media to express herself. Daisey, aspiring to become a social media influencer, posts content challenging traditional beauty standards. She promotes body positivity, celebrates diverse physical appearances, and encourages self-acceptance. However, Daisey’s unconventional approach to social media leads to labeling and stigmatization, spanning across themes of youth, media, and physical appearance. In this scenario, Daisy’s youth factor plays a significant role in how her actions are perceived. Society often discredits the agency of young individuals, stereotyping their behavior as impulsive or attention-seeking. Daisy’s unconventional social media presence challenges these stereotypes, but it also exposes her to criticism and dismissal due to her age. Her actions are

labeled as immature or rebellious, undermining her credibility as a voice advocating for body positivity. Furthermore, Daisy’s engagement with social media intersects with the theme of media. The media tends to perpetuate narrow beauty standards, promoting unrealistic ideals that contribute to body dissatisfaction among youth. Daisy’s posts challenging these norms are perceived as deviant within the media landscape. Her divergence from conventional beauty standards disrupts societal norms perpetuated by mainstream media, leading to labeling and criticism from both media outlets and audiences. In addition, Daisy’s advocacy for body positivity addresses the theme of physical appearance. Her posts celebrating diverse bodies and advocating for self-acceptance challenge societal norms regarding physical beauty. However, this deviation from the norm exposes her to physical appearance-based labeling and stigmatization. Daisy might face criticism or bullying based on her own appearance or be labeled as attention-seeking due to her unconventional portrayal of physical beauty on social media. Critical Theory, applied to Daisy’s scenario, reveals the interconnectedness of these themes. It highlights how societal structures, influenced by media representations and perceptions of youth, perpetuate labeling and stigmatization. Daisy’s deviance from societal beauty standards through her social media presence challenges established norms, but it also exposes her to criticism and stigma rooted in age-related biases, media conventions, and societal ideals of physical appearance.

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References Bereska, T. M. (2021, July 12). Deviance, conformity, and social control in Canada. Sixth edition . Pearson Canada. ISBN eText: 9780136603924

Burgum, S. (2022). Shades of Deviance: Squatting. Second edition. Routledge. DOI: 10.432/9781003138198-50

SOC 2070 Final Exam

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