Social Functions of Deviance

The rules of sociological method, by Emile Durkheim state that deviance

has some uses in social life.

Clarifying Norms

• Serves to define the boundaries of acceptable behavior

• When rule are broken and the guilty parties are caught, members of society are reminded of the norms that guide social life

• The punishment serves as a warning to others.• Example harsh prison sentences• People choose not to commit deviant acts if

warned

Unifying the group

• Draws line between conforming members of society and “ outsiders”

• “Us against Them”

• Reinforces sense of community

• Beliefs in shared values

• Important to the maintenance of group unity

Diffusing tension

• When people are unhappy they may want to strike out at society

• Minor acts of deviance serve as a safety net

• Allows individuals to relieve tension without disrupting the basic fabric of life

• Demonstrations, protest, small outburst

Promoting Social Change

• Helps to promote change by identifying problems

• When a large number of people violate a particular norm

• This indicates that something in society needs to be changed

• Women's movement, Civil Rights, gay Movement

Providing Jobs

• Law enforcement

• Court personal

• Corrections

• Treatment programs

• Lawyers

• Judges

• Parole officers