Discuss the functions of deviance according to sociologist Emile Durkheim
What will be an ideal response?
Functionalist sociologist Emile Durkheim believed that deviance is rooted in societal
factors such as rapid social change and lack of social integration among people.
According to Durkheim, as social integration (bonding and community involvement)
decreased, deviance and crime increased. For Durkheim, deviance is a natural and
inevitable part of all societies. Deviance is universal because it serves three important
functions: (1) deviance clarifies rules—by punishing deviant behavior, society reaffirms
its commitment to the rules and clarifies their meaning? (2) deviance unites a group—
when deviant behavior is seen as a threat to group solidarity and people unite in
opposition to that behavior, their loyalties to society are reinforced? and (3) deviance
promotes social change—deviants may violate norms in order to get them changed,
such as acts of civil disobedience (sit-ins and boycotts).
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A) many male/female ties were severed. B) the transition was easiest for artisans, preachers, or house servants. C) most African Americans remained on plantations. D) all of the first three are true.
The two types of white-collar deviance are corporate deviance and occupational deviance
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
The ancient Romans saw the stars as being gods. Auguste Comte would classify Roman society as being in which of the following stages of history?
a. Scientific stage b. Metaphysical stage c. Theological stage d. Post-scientific stage
The __________ perspective on social problems is based on the belief that social problems arise out of major contradictions, leading to contention between those who have access to the "good life," and those who do not.
A. functionalist B. institution building C. symbolic interactionist D. conflict