SOC 232 : DEVIANCE (S)

This course will survey social theories that have been developed about deviant, non-conformist, behavior, and will survey a selection of the many studies that have been conducted on this topic. The student will learn how deviance is socially constructed when members of a society or group define the actions of others as being outside the boundaries of normative, approved, behavior. Reactions by those in power emphasize these boundaries, and these reactions are a major force defining the culture of a society. Classical sociological theorists often considered the creation of deviance as fundamental to the creation of integrated groups and societies. Time has only reinforced the validity of their insight.