Friday 24 April 2015

So what did the research find?

For the research to be conducted, there were 1, 280 participants from across the United States chosen to complete a survey. These surveys were conducted, giving each participant situations in which they would be negatively affiliated with a group and they would have to explain how they would react when put in that specific situation.

An example of a question would be having to rate their agreeance with the following statement : " At school, I worry that people will draw conclusions about me, based on what they think about my racial group." The researchers then asked the participants if they felt respected at school, and if not, have they ever been involved in situations regarded as social deviance (i.e. skipping, cheating, etc.) This survey found that majority of participants who felt that they were being disrespected at school would participate in delinquent behaviours.

New Study:

A recent study conducted by Standford researchers found an interesting correlation between negative group affiliation and "anti-social behaviour" or social deviance. This study found that those who were part of a group (race, gender, social identity, etc.) were treated with disrespected were more likely to be deviant toward their society. This research also looked at the psychological roots connected to social deviation. The researchers looked at the root of this behaviour and why it is tied to negative group affiliation.

One researcher by the name of Peter Belmi stated, ""When people feel that they are being viewed negatively by others simply because they belong to a particular gender, race or other group membership, they come away with the impression that others do not treat them respectfully, which in turn makes them more likely to engage in social deviance."

An example of this negative judgment would be a black American student being concerned or worried that they were being judged about their abilities in work, school, etc. Another example would be women who are concerned that employers wouldn't see them being suitable enough for a job, traditionally held by men.

Tuesday 14 April 2015

More information about social deviance...

Here is a video of a video from the 50s -60s that described the idea of deviancy. As you see, the one teen is deviant, she wakes up late, shows up to class late and interrupts people when having a conversation. While the other teen is on time, has a healthy breakfast and is respected.

Do you think the definition of deviancy has changed over time? Or has it really stayed the same?

Sunday 12 April 2015

What is Social Deviance?

Deviance is defined as the break from social norms and values. Although deviance has been studied and properly defined for numerous years, there is still a negative impact on being labeled as a "social deviant" . Still to this day, people look at deviance as something weird or odd, so being involved in a group that is known as "different" or "odd",, that person would also be known or assumed to be social deviant.  Thinking of behaviour labeled as deviant, most think of crimes and breaking the law, but it can also be someone just acting in a negative way towards the society they live in

Every society has roles, with these roles come values and norms. Values come with  every role in society, and is stated to be standard of the belief of how group members should act. Norms also come into play and affect the roles within society. Norms are known as a type of behaviour that is custom within a society. These are important because they draw the line between 'good' and 'bad' behaviour within a society. Once these norms and values are broken, the role that a person may have can break the role.


Baine, C., Colyer, J., DesRivieres, D., & Dolan, S. (2002). Transitions in Society: The Challenge and Change. Don Mills: Oxford University Press.

Moffitt, K. (n.d.). Deviance in Sociology: Definition, Theories & Examples - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com. Retrieved April 12, 2015.