The Constructionist Perspective and Poverty as a Form of Deviance
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Question 1: The Constructionist Perspective on Deviance
The constructionist approach defines social deviance as a normative violation that can be regarded as guilty, and if the violation made public, it might result in a negative reaction against the perceived violator. In such a situation, the violator of the set norms is likely to experience condemnation, censure, punishment, stigma scorn, and social isolation from the members of the society or any other collectiveness (Adler & Adler, P2015). The primary question that is often asked by constructionists is ‘‘Deviance to whom?’’ This question is essential in understanding social deviance since it defines and explains what is considered a normative violation that may vary from one society or collectiveness to another. I such a case, the audience does not necessarily need to witness the breach but may be told about it, or they may also be an audience whose actions may be inferred from the group talk, which may be stated in their attitudes or beliefs. A more radical constructionism definition of social deviance argues that deviance cannot exist without condemnation or labeling.
Social control can roughly be defined as the techniques used by a specific collectiveness to prevent or sanctions behaviors that are considered to violate the established norms. Deviance is considered as a normal part of everyday activities in society. However, actions are considered deviance, depending on the circumstances under which they take place. Formal social control refers to the societal or political processes or mechanisms that are used to regulate group and individual behaviors (Little, McGivern & Kerins, 2016). Some of the examples of formal social control are policing regulatory policies and judicial sanctions. On the other hand, informal social control is the reactions of groups and individuals that often bring about conformity in society. Examples of informal social controls are compliments, socialization, ridicule, praise, and gossip. One of the most significant strengths of constructionism in understanding special deviance is offered a specific way to define study and understand the concept.
Question: Poverty as a Form of Deviance
Poverty has often been theorized as one of the common causes of deviant behaviors in society. The strain theory by Merton argues that poverty often breeds deviance. In itself, poverty can be considered as deviant marginalization, which disqualifies individuals from full civic and social participation. Such individuals become “Too poor for pop culture.” Therefore, poverty can cause and be a form of deviance in society (Little, McGivern & Kerins, 2016). Our definition does not fit the stigma of poverty and deviance. Poverty can be considered as a “moral strain” or the stigma. The stereotype of the poor in society results in arguments such as increased mental disorder, homelessness, unemployment, drug, and alcohol, among other deviance behaviors. Society then tends to blame the victim as lazy, wistful, and who cannot plan ahead.
The positivist approach argues that deviance is often caused by forces that are beyond human control. Natural scientists also hold the same perspective on physical phenomena. Since positivist sociologists often follow natural science, they always adopt the deterministic perspective while applying it to human behavior. Therefore, this approach is important for our understanding of deviance as a form or caused by poverty (Little, McGivern & Kerins, 2016). Poverty results in criminal activities such as violence and drugs, which can be considered against societal norms, thus forming a deviant behavior. There has been a widely shared assumption that economic challenges, such as higher unemployment rate and financial overburden, often result in deviant behaviors. Therefore, the constructionist approach helps us understand how poverty results in behaviors that are considered against society’s established norms.
References
Adler, P., & Adler, P. (2015). Constructions of deviance: Social power, context, and interaction. Nelson Education.
Little, W., McGivern, R., & Kerins, N. (2016). Introduction to Sociology-2nd Canadian Edition. BC Campus.