Overview of Sociological
Approaches to Deviance Theory and Research |
Definition
of Deviance |
Level
of Analysis |
|
Macro-Level:
Focus on large-scale social units and societal-level phenomena |
Micro-Level:
Focus on interpersonal behavior and relationships in groups |
|
Normative:
"Deviance
refers to behavior that violates social norms or to persons who engage
in such behavior."
|
Macro-Normative
Approach |
Micro-Normative
Approach |
- Primary
Theoretical Goal: Explain the rate and social
distribution of deviant behavior within and between societies.
- Typical
Sources of Data:
Secondary data from public agencies; epidemiological surveys of probability
samples; cross-national comparative data.
- Online Reading:
Anomie Theory (click here)
|
- Primary
Theoretical Goal: Explain the interpersonal
causes of the deviant behavior of individuals and small groups.
- Typical
Sources of Data:
Explanatory surveys of probability and non-probability samples; case
studies using life history and ethnographic methods.
- Online Reading:
Social Learning Theory (click
here)
|
|
Relativisitic:
"Deviance
refers to behavior or persons that are defined as deviant by social audiences." |
Macro-Relativistic
Approach |
Micro-Relativistic
Approach |
- Primary
Theoretical Goal: Explain the cultural, structural,
and historical sources of societal definitions of deviance.
- Typical
Sources of Data:
Case studies using historical documents; secondary data from public
agencies; cross-national comparative data.
- Online Reading:
Conflict Theory (click
here)
|
- Primary
Theoretical Goal: Explain and understand the
process and consequences of interpersonal reactions to deviance.
- Typical
Sources of Data:
Field observation and ethnographic research; survey research using non-probability
samples.
- Online Reading:
Labeling Theory (click
here)
|