Sociology of Deviance

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.
Tasks:
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).
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)
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)