According To Structural Functionalist Theory, What Purpose Do Deviance And Its Consequences Have In Society? (Check All That Apply)- Unites Members Of Society- Clarifies Moral Rules- Sometimes Leads To Necessary Changes

Mar 13, 2025 by ADMIN 220 views

Understanding Deviance and Its Consequences in Society: A Structural Functionalist Perspective

The concept of deviance and its consequences has been a subject of interest in sociology for centuries. According to structural functionalist theory, deviance and its consequences play a crucial role in maintaining social order and promoting social change. In this article, we will explore the purpose of deviance and its consequences in society, as per the structural functionalist theory.

One of the primary purposes of deviance and its consequences is to unite members of society. When individuals or groups engage in deviant behavior, it creates a sense of shared values and norms among the rest of the population. This shared understanding of what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior helps to reinforce social bonds and promote a sense of community.

For instance, when a group of individuals engages in a violent protest, it may be seen as deviant behavior by the majority of the population. However, the reaction of the community to this behavior, such as condemning it and calling for law and order, helps to unite members of society around a shared value of non-violence. This shared value helps to promote social cohesion and reinforces the norms of the community.

Deviance and its consequences also serve to clarify moral rules in society. When individuals or groups engage in deviant behavior, it challenges the existing moral norms and values of the community. This challenge helps to clarify what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior, and what the consequences of deviant behavior should be.

For example, when a high-profile celebrity is involved in a scandalous behavior, it may challenge the moral norms of the community. The reaction of the public and the media to this behavior helps to clarify what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior, and what the consequences of deviant behavior should be. This clarification helps to reinforce the moral rules of the community and promotes social order.

Finally, deviance and its consequences can sometimes lead to necessary changes in society. When individuals or groups engage in deviant behavior, it can challenge the existing social norms and values of the community. This challenge can lead to a re-evaluation of the existing social order and the implementation of new policies and laws that promote social change.

For instance, the civil rights movement in the United States was a result of deviant behavior by African Americans who challenged the existing social norms and values of the community. The reaction of the community to this behavior, such as the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, helped to promote social change and challenge the existing social order.

In conclusion, deviance and its consequences play a crucial role in maintaining social order and promoting social change, according to structural functionalist theory. By uniting members of society, clarifying moral rules, and sometimes leading to necessary changes, deviance and its consequences help to promote social cohesion and reinforce the norms of the community.

Deviance and its consequences unite members of society by creating a sense of shared values and norms.
Deviance and its consequences clarify moral rules by challenging existing social norms and values.
Deviance and its consequences can sometimes lead to necessary changes in society by challenging the existing social order and promoting social change.

Durkheim, E. (1893). The Division of Labor in Society. New York: Free Press.
Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
Parsons, T. (1951). The Social System. New York: Free Press.

The Functions of Deviance by David Matza
Deviance and Social Control by Richard Quinney
The Sociology of Deviance by Steven Spitzer
Frequently Asked Questions: Deviance and Its Consequences

In our previous article, we explored the purpose of deviance and its consequences in society, as per the structural functionalist theory. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about deviance and its consequences.

A: Deviance refers to behavior that violates the norms and values of a society. It can be intentional or unintentional, and can range from minor infractions to serious crimes.

A: Deviance is important because it helps to maintain social order and promote social change. By challenging existing social norms and values, deviance can lead to a re-evaluation of the existing social order and the implementation of new policies and laws.

A: Some examples of deviance include:

Crime: Murder, theft, vandalism, etc.
Social deviance: Racism, sexism, homophobia, etc.
Cultural deviance: Using a different language, following a different religion, etc.
Conformity: Following the norms and values of a society, even if they are not necessarily good or bad.

A: Deviance can have both positive and negative effects on society. On the one hand, it can lead to social change and promote social justice. On the other hand, it can also lead to social unrest and conflict.

A: Some of the consequences of deviance include:

Social sanctions: Punishment, imprisonment, fines, etc.
Social labeling: Being labeled as a deviant, which can lead to social exclusion and stigma.
Social change: Deviance can lead to a re-evaluation of the existing social order and the implementation of new policies and laws.

A: Yes, deviance can be beneficial. By challenging existing social norms and values, deviance can lead to social change and promote social justice. For example, the civil rights movement in the United States was a result of deviant behavior by African Americans who challenged the existing social norms and values of the community.

A: Deviance can be prevented by promoting social cohesion and reinforcing the norms and values of a society. This can be done through education, socialization, and social control.

A: Deviance and crime are related but distinct concepts. Deviance refers to behavior that violates the norms and values of a society, while crime refers to behavior that violates the laws of a society.

In conclusion, deviance and its consequences are complex and multifaceted concepts that play a crucial role in maintaining social order and promoting social change. By understanding deviance and its consequences, we can better promote social cohesion and reinforce the norms and values of a society.

Deviance refers to behavior that violates the norms and values of a society.
Deviance can have both positive and negative effects on society.
Deviance can lead to social change and promote social justice.
Deviance can be prevented by promoting social cohesion and reinforcing the norms and values of a society.

Durkheim, E. (1893). The Division of Labor in Society. New York: Free Press.
Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
Parsons, T. (1951). The Social System. New York: Free Press.

The Functions of Deviance by David Matza
Deviance and Social Control by Richard Quinney
The Sociology of Deviance by Steven Spitzer