Question

Analyze giving the finger using Durkheim’s theoretical perspective on deviance.​

Answer 1

• Deviance is defined as any action that is perceived as violating a society's or group's cultural norm. Norms dictate what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior across cultures. One category of deviance is crime, which occurs when someone violates a society's formal laws.
• For example,in this case,giving the finger is considered offensive and unacceptable in a lot of cultures.Small deviant acts like this are very common but they are considered deviant from the acceptable norms of the society to behave righteously.
• In Durkheim's deviance theory, he argued not only that deviance is a natural and necessary part of society but that it's actually impossible not to have deviance in a functional society.
• He used a monastery as an illustration: to outsiders, monks are extremely peaceful and therefore live in a near-Utopian society. However, even there, deviance still occurs.
• It may be as seemingly innocent to us as missing morning prayer, but in their society, this deviant behavior goes against the rules they have created to bring order to their society. Breaking one results in negative social reactions.
• Since deviance can severely disrupt social order, it may seem like a paradox that it can actually be a good thing in society. However, according to Durkheim, deviance performs four essential functions.
• First, it affirms cultural norms and values. Seeing someone suffer or be punished for a deviant act reinforces what society sees as acceptable or unacceptable behavior.
• Second, deviance clarifies moral boundaries and teaches us right from wrong.
• Third, it brings people together. People become united in their shared response to deviance.
• Finally, according to Durkheim, the fourth function of deviance is that it encourages social change.
• So,the act of giving the finger,is something which helps people to understand that it is morally wrong and offensive and people should refrain from using it unnecessarily in almost all cultures and towards people since it can be punishble under law as well especially in middle eastern countries.
• And yes people together are unified on the opinion that this gesture should not be used publicly but can be used among friends.In public it is considered disrespectful and that is a shared opinion.