Discussion Board Question 1:
Overall Rating:
Respond back with one original response to the discussion question shown below, as well as, respond to at least two other student’s responses to this same discussion question. All responses should be of substance, i.e. utilizing the appropriate terminology and concepts you are learning in the course. There is no length requirement but it is assumed that you completely answer/discuss the question that is asked.
Discussion Question: Which of the definitions of deviance that we have explored makes the most sense to you? Explain your response and use examples of deviant behavior to support your choice.
Respond to Student 1s Post
The definition of deviance that makes the most sense to me is Erik Erikson’s explanation which states that communities maintain their boundaries by creating a reference point of certain ranges of actions, attitudes, or behaviors which are considered ‘normal’ for members. Anything outside the ‘normal range’, within that particular community or culture, is considered deviant because it challenges the stability and integrity of said community. This definition makes the most sense to me because deviant actions are socially constructed, meaning what is considered deviant was chosen as deviant by individuals within a society as opposed to that behavior having a tag attached to it which said “deviant”. For example, getting piercings in one’s face (informal deviance) is likely to be frowned upon in mainstream American culture and categorized ‘deviant’; however, certain African tribes require face piercings and not having those face piercings would likely be ‘deviant’ according to their socially constructed views. Both the mainstream American culture and African tribe(s) would see the ‘deviant’ behavior as a challenge to the stability and integrity of their way of life.
Respond to student 2s Post
Deviance can be broken down into so many concepts. In the textbook it is defined as a behavior or belief that is outside of the norm, which is the approved way of behaving. Some categories that make deviance much easier for me to understand are informal and formal deviance. When you learn about these categories you can then label a situation appropriately. Informal deviance is considered to be nonconforming to society yet not committing illegal acts. One example that comes to my mind is the famous illusionist Harry Houdini. Even though what he was doing was not considered normal and/or deviant to the public he was still not a criminal. Formal deviance is considered to be the opposite, when a person or group goes against the law. This person can truly be labeled as a criminal. Some examples from the module included serial killer Ted Bundy.