Question

Post your thoughts on three theories of deviance and then state which theory you agree with the most, explain your thoughts. Why do you think this theory is a good explanation of how people become deviant?

Answer 1

Three theories are as below=

Anomie theory

This theory indicates the generation of the confusion that results when there is a conflict in the social norms or there is hardly any social norm. This theory is able to highlight the reasons for the different types of deviance. This theory indicates the effectiveness of the social forces that result in deviance.

Control theory

This theory indicates that both the internal and external controls operate in order to prevent the deviant behaviours, At least some time is required by the individuals to act in a deviant manner and the majority of people do not act in a deviant manner. The people may be exposed to the internal controls such as honesty, morality and so on that helps in making of a good individual while the outer control such as family friends also help in controlling the deviant behaviours.

Labelling theory=

This represents the symbolic interaction. This theory mainly deals with the meaning that is being derived by the individual from the different types of actions, reactions symbols, labels. This theory explains the reason for deviate behaviours the labelling by society

In my opinion, the most suitable theory is labelling theory that indicates that the labelling of a person by society acts as a deviant force. It can be seen in our society that of a person is repeatedly labelled as a criminal then finally he will get frustrated by this labelling and start to do criminal activities as the society does not trust him and sees him like a criminal so this labelling makes him do the things which he was not intended to do. The societal labelling provides a motivation to have the deviant behaviour