Durkheim & Prison

Deviance is behavior that violates social norms and is disapproved of by large numbers of people as such. Durkheim's theories on anomie hold a relatively significant place in the formation of modern theories of deviance, particularly structural-strain theory and control theory. Durkheim originated the concept of anomie which refers to a state of normlessness or an erosion of norms. Durkheim believed that anomie is a condition that affects both individuals and society when norms are eroded, missing, or in contention. Durkheim argued that contemporary societies are in danger of this condition because a large measure of cultural diversity causes confusion over norms and values. Individuals are left without clear moral guidelines. One might say if Durkheim were alive today he would extend this condition to the global perspective. The great degree of cultural diversity creates confusion over rules of behavior, i.e., social norms that guide individual interaction and relations in society. In other words, deviance develops from an imbalance in social systems. This is the foundation of social structural-strain extended as a theory of deviance from Durkheim's theories on anomie. Control theory attempts to define deviance from a social control perspective. This theory argues that people are naturally non-conformist so deviance should not be a surprising social phenomena. What is surprising is that people conform and control theory sa

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Category: Psychology - D