01 Apr Deviance and Social Control
Order Instructions
Instructions
Materials: All Lesson 5 Materials
Purpose:
The purpose of this assignment is to have students examine the sociology of deviance. For this assignment, students will apply the three sociological perspectives of structural-functionalism, conflict perspective and symbolic-interactionism to the study of deviant behavior. Minor theories such as strain theory, labeling theory, control theory, differential association and feminist theory will also be considered. Students will examine deviance within cultural and historical context as well as engage in microlevel and macrolevel analysis of deviant behavior.
Task:
Reflecting on the videos and interactive exercises, identify a deviant behavior defined by society or the dominant culture as socially unacceptable (e.g., crime, abuse, abortion, pornography, incest, suicide).
Discuss the deviant behavior in cultural and historical context: What cross-cultural or historical variations exist?
Explain the deviant behavior using the sociological perspectives: functionalism, conflict perspective, symbolic-interactionism. What other minor theories (e.g., strain theory, labeling theory, control theory, differential association, feminist theory) can be applied? (LO1)
On the macrolevel, address the deviant behavior by examining how it is shaped by economic, racial/ethnic or gender inequalities due to stratification based on institutional arrangements. Which sociological perspective or minor theory could be used? What social control mechanisms exist at the societal level through social institutions? (LO4, LO5)
On the microlevel, provide an example in which you were sanctioned for deviant behavior. Which sociological perspective or minor theory could you use to explain your experience? What type of norm was violated? What type of sanction was administered? What social control mechanisms exist through face-to-face interactions?
Expectations and Criteria for Success:
Your essay should be approximately 500 words
The essay should follow instructions
The essay uses correct, standard English grammar and mechanics, and is free of typos as well as punctuation, capitalization, and word choice errors
The essay incorporates multiple, accurate references to online and text content as support for thesis/claims/argument. Parenthetical references at the end of the sentence using said material is sufficient. They essay should use accurately one style of citations (MLA, ASA, or APA).
The essay demonstrates superior, academic knowledge of the topic under study, and is free from general statements, fluff, and summary
The language is clear and concise with logical flow
The essay is submitted prior to the due date/time
Please refer to the Lesson 5 Writing Assignment Rubric (LO1, 4, 5) for more specific criteria to attain maximum essay score.
Here is an example essay Sample Essay for SOCI 1101
