Deviant Behavior

1. The definition of deviance is fluid and changes over time and according to different groups defining it. Goode points out that misleading definitions can be derived from a look at the association between drug use and crime. Drugs include narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and cannabis or marijuana. Goode points out that users intend to increase their pleasure and it is the law that defines the use of a drug as deviant. Thus it would be nanve for example to conclude that a marijuana user was deviant or that any drug-user was deviant. Deviance would need to be defined by the crime committed which resulted from the illegal use, possession or transfer of an illegal substance. In addition Goode pointed out that mental disorders may be naively viewed as deviant. Deviance is defined by the audience and psychological professionals categorize and define mental disorders, yet there is little agreement even among this group as to what constitutes a mental disorder or deviant behavior. Community members make decisions about what is deviant and conclusions should not necessarily be held as accurate.

2. Goode would say that deviance is defined by others and each definition of deviance is relative to the person defining it. Audiences define deviance and professionals defining it have the power to confine others. Psychologists defining deviance have the power to label a person mentally ill; lawmakers defi

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al defines mental illness and deviancy with specific criteria. Those fitting this description are thus labeled. 8. Murder rates are declining, murder is higher among young, lower-status, non-white males, murders are committed by persons acquainted with their victim, most murders occur over trivial matters, most murder victims contribute to their own deaths, and alcohol and drugs are associated with large numbers of homicides. 9. Frontier tradition characterizes American approaches to violence and the resolution of conflicts. For example early pioneers were hardy and included outlaws, showdowns, etc. Heroes were gunmen and were legends. Vigilantes were enforcers. Men are to be confident and strong and fight for rights. A subculture of violence contributes to violent actions due to beliefs that this violence will solve problems; violence is acceptable to this subculture. Specific situational factors such as those found in a bar brawl also contribute to the violence. The stages that lead to homicide include: victim and offender enter a conflict when the victim insults or refuses to obey the offender; offenders interpret victim's behavior as personal offense; the offender stands up for himself with retaliation; the victim r
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Approximate Word count = 1276
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page)

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