Anomie Theory of Deviance: Rethinking the Sociology of Stigma

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The anomie theory explains the tendency of minority or disadvantaged groups in society to turn to deviance as a way of attaining efficacy. Attaining wealth and satisfaction with other forms of human wants is a major goal of most people. However, when people are impeded from attaining their life goals experience anomie and are likely to apply deviant behaviors to fulfill their goals («Defining Crime»).

Control theory

This theory explains a self-regulating mechanism that prevents individuals from engaging in deviant behaviors. According to the control theory, although humans have the urge to act defiantly majority of them don’t. This is due to the internal and external controls that amount to constraints towards deviance. Internal controls include personal values, ethical considerations, integrity, and self-conscience, whereas external controls include institutions that maintain law and order, religious authorities, and family. Both internal and external controls help prevent individuals from acting defiantly («Defining Crime»).

Cultural transmission

This is a process through which values and various cultural norms are passed from a preceding generation to the succeeding generation («Defining Crime»).

Deviance

Deviance is any behavior that goes against existing social norms, and is generally of sufficient magnitude to merit disapproval from the dominant sect of society («Defining Crime»).

Differential association

This phrase was coined by Edwin Sutherland to explain how individuals learn deviant behavior. The differential association theory argues that people’s behavior is greatly influenced by their environment. In regards to deviance, people learn and acquire criminal behaviors from the various socializing agents within their environment («Defining Crime»).

Labeling theory

This theory argues that deviance is a social construct hence behaviors are labeled as deviant only when the society deems them to be («Defining Crime»).

Professional criminal

An individual who indulges in criminal activities as a source of livelihood; they have developed skills and techniques that put them a level higher than the regular criminals

Sanction

Sanction is the reaction society has towards individual or group behavior. Behaviors that are considered desirable are encouraged and vice versa («Defining Crime»).

Social control

The study mechanisms whose body of knowledge enables society to maintain social order («Defining Crime»).

Stigma

Ervin Goffman defined stigma “an attribute, behavior or reputation which is socially discrediting in a particular way” (Tyler & Slater 271).

White-collar crime

This is a type of crime committed by people of high status in society. Examples include economic crimes and insurance fraud etc. («Defining Crime»).

Works Cited

“Defining Crime.”Cliffnotes, Web.

Tyler, Imogen, and Tom, Slater. “Rethinking the sociology of stigma.” The Sociological Review, vol. 66, no. 4, 2018, 721-743. Web.

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