Question

In your word give a 400 word response 1. explain the concept of deviance. 2. In your opinion, which is a better approach to defining deviance- Objectivist or Constructionist? Support your opinion with an example from real life (think of deviance and explain why your chosen annroach is better)

Answer 1

Answer 1. The definition for deviance is different for every part of the world. It is basically any behaviour that is against the norms of that particular region. For instance, smoking marijuana is deviant in Britain and alcohol is not. It is basically any violation of rules and norms . Social norms contrast all through society and between cultures. A specific demonstration or conduct might be seen as degenerate and get assents or disciplines inside one society and be viewed as an ordinary conduct in another society. Furthermore, as a society's comprehension of social norms changes after some time, so to does the collective impression of deviance.Deviance is in respect to where it was submitted or to the time the demonstration occurred. Slaughtering another human is by and large viewed as off-base for instance, with the exception of when governments grant it during warfare or for self guard.

Answer 2. In my opinion , objectivist approach is better than the constructionist approach. According to this approach, deviance is based upon the characterstics of the act or the person . A behaviour is considered as deviant if the all or one of the following four things happen:-

1. Harm- if any person or any property is being harmed.

2. Rare- if a behaviour happens very rarely.

3. Reaction- if the public’s reaction is not normal.

4. Norms- if the behaviour violates social norms.

I think this approach makes more sense incase of deviance. The term deviance means this only that any act that creates a imbalance in the society is considered to be as deviant.

The constructionist on the other hand do not believe in this ideology. According to them , behaviour is considered as deviant based on perception and interpretation of people. It has nothing to do with the characteristics of the act or person.

For instance, According to objectivist , Homicide is considered as deviant behaviour because it is seen as breaking of norms and the people around are being affected by it . According to the constructionist, homicide is inherently deviant . It depends upon the situation and context . Like in wars , homicide is celebrated.