Deviant in psychology
Deviance - IResearchNet
Deviance Definition
Deviance is a broad term meant to signify behavior that violates social norms. The origins and functions of deviant behavior have long been of interest in the social sciences, with early sociological theories influencing the psychology theories that followed.
Sociological Theories of Deviance
Structural FunctionalismOne broad sociological approach to the study of deviance was structural functionalism. This viewpoint focused attention on social institutions in societies. Social institutions are organizations that fulfill vital roles in society and that promote the continued existence of society (e.g., the criminal justice system, the courts, the family). Institutions bind individuals together by promoting social norms that define right and wrong.
Emile Durkheim, an early structural functionalist, introduced the notion of anomie, a precursor to modern conceptions of deviance. Anomie was conceived of as a psychological state created when social norms fail to affect how an individual acts. Robert Merton expanded on the concept of anomie by showing two dimensions upon which individuals might deviate from social norms. First, they can reject the normative goals of society (e.g., wanting to support a drug habit rather than a family). Second, they can reject the normative means of achieving goals (e.g., stealing money rather than earning it from an employer). Alternatively, an individual can seek radical changes to society, changes that alter its normative goals and means. As an example, an American citizen might reject his or her society’s embrace of capitalism in favor of community and might advocate for socialist policies as a way of promoting this new social agenda.
The strength of structural functionalism was that it drew attention to the role that society plays in defining right and wrong. Deviation from social norms was not viewed as a property inherent to certain actors. It instead was viewed as something social institutions create to preserve the society. The major weakness of this approach was that it did not elaborate on the individual-level mechanisms that cause people to deviate.
In fact, structural functionalists tended to question whether one could understand the whole (society) by examining the parts (the individual).
Some scholars were interested in the component parts, and this contributed to the rise of symbolic interactionism within sociology. Symbolic interactionists examine how individuals construct social meaning through their interactions with other people. A key concept is the looking-glass self, coined by Charles Horton Cooley. Accordingly, individuals cannot find a personal identity by looking inward but must instead adopt the viewpoints of other people. The tendency to incorporate the opinions of others into the self can lead to a self-fulfilling prophesy, such that individuals become the very people they are thought to be by others.
Because symbolic interactionists focus on the opinions of other people, many of these scholars have focused attention on the majority opinions found in societies. Howard S.
Becker followed such an approach. He argued that social institutions create accepted labels that give meanings to actions. Over time, he argued, people come to accept the labels society gives them. For instance, a society might create the negative term thief as a way of deterring crime, but people who are labeled in this way (e.g., by the criminal justice system) might come to identify with their label and then commit more crimes.
Although symbolic interactionism succeeded in bringing the individual into the discussion on deviance, it largely ignored the harder question that was of interest to structural functionalists: Why do social groups categorize certain people as deviant? It was this question that early psychological theories sought to address. The most influential of these traditions was the group dynamics approach, which was started in the 1940s by Kurt Lewin and his students and colleagues at the Research Center for Group Dynamics. This perspective emphasized two broad psychological tendencies that were thought to generate pressures to conform.
The first tendency was the need for social reality. It was thought that individuals possess an epistemic need to possess both certain and veridical knowledge. Individuals can satisfy this need by joining groups with like-minded individuals. For this reason, groups tend to punish and reject opinion deviants, because these individuals threaten a shared social reality. The second tendency that generated conformity pressure was the desire to succeed. Social groups often form as a way of helping individuals accomplish their goals. Group locomotion toward a shared goal thus creates uniformity pressures within the group, and so groups that are driven to succeed should identify and then punish deviants who stand in the way.
Deviance Implications
These three broad approaches to deviance differ considerably in their assumptions, but each offers a valuable and complementary view. A structural functionalist approach emphasizes external forces that define deviance (e.g., social institutions).
This draws attention to complex social systems and larger societal needs, that is, needs that occur outside the individual. A group dynamics perspective focuses attention on internal psychological forces and the individual’s need to maintain a coherent social reality and to succeed. Symbolic interactionism splits the difference between these two extremes. It shares the structural functionalist emphasis on external causes (others’ opinions), but it focuses attention on individual-level mechanisms (the looking-glass self). In a way, structural functionalism and group dynamics are the most alike in that they want to reveal the ultimate cause of deviance. Structural functionalism locates this cause in the needs of societies to endure, whereas group dynamics locates this cause in the needs of the individuals to know and to grow. If symbolic interaction-ism is less ambitious for not seeking the true cause of deviance, it is also more generous in that it can accommodate causes that arise from society and the individual.
References:
- Abrams, D., Marques, J. M., & Hogg, M. A. (2004). The social psychology of inclusion and exclusion. Philadelphia: Psychology Press.
- Durkheim, E. (1999). The normal and the pathological. In S. H. Traub & C. B. Little (Eds.), Theories of deviance (pp. 4-9). Itasca, IL: Peacock. (Original work published 1938)
- Haslam, S. A., & Turner, J. C. (1998). Extremism and deviance: Beyond taxonomy and bias. Social Research, 65, 111-222.
- Levine, J. M. (1989). Reactions to opinion deviance in small groups. In P. B. Paulus (Ed.), Psychology of group influence (pp. 187-231). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
- Schachter, S. (1951). Deviation, rejection and communication. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 46, 190-207.
Deviant Behaviors and Its Types and Examples
Deviant behavior is a term that is continually changing. Various types of deviant behaviors are criminal in nature while others are not. Deviant behaviors are bizarre and unexpected acts that are destructive or abnormal in nature (Humphrey and Schmalleger 3).
The term deviant behavior has two viewpoints; that is the situational perspective and the normative perspective.
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From a normative perspective, deviance refers to the process of violating accepted social norms, for example, running down the street naked (Humphrey and Schmalleger 4). Running naked is a violation of socially accepted behaviors and standards. As such, it will generate negative views from the society. Situational perspective refers to social situations that surround the behavior. In this case, the society looks at the prevailing situation surrounding the behavior. It is important to note that most deviant behaviors violate socially accepted norms (Humphrey and Schmalleger 3).
Acts of social deviance As a student, I have done acts that are deviant in nature.
One incident involved walking into a while class wearing a very huge pink hairpiece and acting like it was not a big deal. Getting into class wearing such a hairpiece caught the attention of everyone including the lecturer. In my view, the hairpiece was a representation of my identity at that moment. However, to them it was not ordinary for students to wear such a hairpiece during class hours. In a class where the lecturer demanded orderliness in terms of appearance, most of my fellow students were apprehensive about my behavior. Some of the fellow students even chose to avoid me.
One time during an examination, I got to the examination room thirty minutes late. Since it was the first day of the examinations, everyone thought that I was insane. In fact, the supervisor had to ask whether everything was all right. To her surprise, I did not act as if I was surprised or anxious at all. Some of the students started looking at me in a different manner after the examination as if to confirm that I was not good for their academic life.
During a family function, I chose to refer to my parents using their titles Mr. and Mrs. The act rattled other family guests and relatives who were in attendance. Some of them called me aside and wondered why I was behaving in that manner. It seemed as though I did not appreciate my parents. They left that function convinced that something was wrong with me since I was “disrespectful” to my parents. Some of my cousins even refused to associate with me after that event because their parents had discouraged them. Later on, I realized that most of my relatives had suggested to my parents that I visit a local counselor.
Engaging in self-talk in class was one of the most interesting acts that depicted a general shift from the norms. Some of the concerned classmates reported the case to the teacher because they were uncomfortable with that behavior. When I told them that I was all right, they were surprised and thought that I was insane. I ended up in the principal’s office for further assessment.
Later on, my parents also came to verify my mental status. I was almost punished after realizing that I was all right. Essentially, this was because of acting in a manner that “scared” my classmates. In addition, I also brought to a halt the usual learning program.
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In essence, whether situational or normative, deviant acts draw attention from the members of the society. The society will seek to either understand that behavior or avoid the behavior. It is important to note either way; a person will always get negative views from the society.
Humphrey, John and Schmalleger, Frank. Deviant Behavior, Massachusetts: Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2011. Print.
APA-6
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Deviance, deviant behavior - Psychologos
Film "Liquidation"
Deviant, deviant - this is an unusual, but at the same time a stable deviation from statistical norms. In other words, deviant is considered a stable way of acting, behaving or thinking that is not typical for the general population.
Deviant behavior (from English deviation - deviation) - actions that do not correspond to officially established or actually established in a given society (social group) moral and legal norms and lead the offender (deviant) to isolation, treatment, correction or punishment. nine0003
Types of deviant behavior
Main types of deviant behavior: crime, alcoholism, drug addiction, suicide, prostitution, sexual deviations.
Currently, there is no single approach to the study and explanation of deviant behavior. A number of researchers, following E. Durkheim, believe that under normal conditions for the functioning of a social organization, deviant behavior does not occur so often, but in conditions of social disorganization, when normative control weakens, the likelihood of manifestations of deviation increases. Such situations include stress, intragroup and intergroup conflicts, abrupt changes in society. nine0003
From the point of view of the theory of anomie (R. Merton), deviant behavior grows if, in the presence of common goals, socially approved means of achieving these goals are not available to everyone, and for some people or social groups they are not available at all. From the standpoint of the concept of socialization, persons with deviant behavior become people whose socialization takes place in an environment where the factors predisposing to such behavior (violence, immorality, etc.
) are considered normal, or society treats them quite tolerantly. nine0003
Of interest and popular in the 1960s. the concept of stigmatization, drawing attention to the social reaction to deviant behavior. According to this concept, deviation is the result of a negative social assessment, “sticking” a label of some kind of deviation on an individual (for example, “liar”, “alcoholic”, “drug addict”, “sexual maniac”) and the subsequent desire to isolate him, correct, cure etc.
Numerous domestic and foreign studies of the psychology of deviant behavior are focused on the study of personal characteristics of deviants, their mental health, the problem of self-identification, the internalization of norms and values, the role of external and internal control, the development of methods of psychotherapy and mental correction of persons with various forms of deviation. nine0003
The study of deviance
The study of deviance is based on two different points of view:
- Deviance is determined through single critical events.
Cases of unusual and highly active behavior characterized by madness and violence. - Deviance was the main content of many important aspects of personality theory, clinical and social psychology.
Deviance research can be classified according to four main positions: nine0003
- The first involves looking at deviance as a function of internal factors. Deviance is considered in the aspect of differences between individuals. In terms of individual differences, it is assumed that individuals or groups of people who have a certain level of specificity are more likely to become deviants. It is also assumed that individual differences and deviance are connected by causal relationships.
- The second important explanation of deviance postulates differences in social structure as its main premises. Officially classified forms of deviance are characterized by a disproportionately high representation among the population that occupies a lower socio-economic position in our society.
In terms of differences in social structure, in access to legitimate opportunities, in access to illegal opportunities, alienation or hostility are the critical ingredients that often cause deviance. According to this position, deviance has individual components, resulting from the impact of various social structures, and environmental aspects. nine0028
- The third important explanation of deviance is based on the interactionist point of view. According to the formally called "labeling theory", deviance is generated by the reaction of critical individuals to a certain act. Psychological disorders, crime and lack of achievement are officially and informally labeled as deviant. From the point of view of the labeling theory, deviance is an interaction between the actions of an individual and the reactions of society to them. nine0028
- The fourth important point of view is expressed by the theory of learning. According to it, all actions, deviant or normal, are acquired in accordance with the laws of modeling, reinforcement and punishment.
Those people who exhibit deviant patterns of behavior previously received appropriate rewards for such actions. From a learning theory point of view, there are no inherent differences between deviant and normal behavior. Criminal behavior, deviant behavior, and learning disabilities are acquired through learning. nine0028
What is deviant behavior in simple terms and how to deal with it
These are actions and deeds that are considered unacceptable in society. Deviant behavior can be manifested by aggression, up to sadism, theft, deceit, vagrancy and other behavioral deviations.
What is deviant behavior in simple terms
Most often, this term characterizes the behavior of adolescents, referring to their youthful maximalism and a tendency to violate generally accepted rules. In other words, deviant behavior is more common among teenagers. nine0003
The concept of deviant behavior is usually given a negative meaning, which emphasizes its asociality and dangerous deviation from the norm.
However, from the point of view of psychology, deviant forms of behavior are not only destructive. Especially considering that the demands of society are often illogical and meaningless.
Deviations are actions that are contrary to social norms and rules adopted in certain groups - school, university, kindergarten, etc. nine0055Deviants are called strange at best and are treated with disapproval. However, psychologists assure that the concept of "norm" does not exist in principle, and every person is characterized by deviance to one degree or another. There are no exceptions here. There is even a special science - deviantology (from the Latin "deviato" - "deviation"), it studies social deviations and society's reaction to them.
Attention! Deviant behavior in sociology is not characterized by the quality of a person's act. Rather, it is a consequence of the application by others of the rules and sanctions to the "violator", "labeling".
nine0003
Causes of deviant behavior
Robert Merton (American sociologist) studied various manifestations of deviance and considered them in the context of the natural conditions of social life. He considered deviant behavior to be a normal reaction of a normal person to abnormal conditions.
Factors of deviant behavior are divided into 3 main groups:
- biological;
- educational; nine0028
- social.
One of the varieties of incorrect behavior is psychological deviations, the occurrence of which is due to several factors at once. Such forms are difficult to correct.
What does deviant behavior mean, the criteria for its assessment, schoolchildren study in social science lessons in high school.Biological
The biological factors of deviant behavior are, first of all, hereditary personality traits: a tendency to alcoholism, drug addiction, mental disability.
This category also includes pathologies of the central nervous system, provoked by serious illnesses in the first years of a child's life, craniocerebral injuries, which led to a change in the structures of the brain. nine0003
Other reasons:
- depression;
- psychoses of different origin;
- schizotypal disorder;
- infantilism;
- attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity;
- schizophrenia.
Deviant behavior against the background of biological disorders is expressed by emotional instability and low ability to adapt. nine0003
Attention! Antisocial actions and sharpening of typical character traits are possible against the background of hormonal changes in the puberty period, when the brain is actively developing and higher mental functions are being formed.
Educational
The prerequisites for the development of this form of deviation are the incorrect upbringing of the child (teenager) - mistakes in pedagogy.
It can be:
- deviant, delinquent behavior within the family, when one of its members sets an example for the younger generation; nine0028
- lack of mutual understanding, respect in the family;
- authoritarian upbringing, unfair punishments;
- indulgence to all whims, fulfillment of any desires of the child;
- excessive guardianship or lack thereof;
- depriving the child of personal space;
- ignoring the needs of the child - both moral and physical.
nine0059 Case study:
Vanya was a quiet, well-mannered teenager and studied well. But everything changed after the divorce of the parents, which took place in an atmosphere of extreme hostility. Ivan began to often skip classes, be rude to teachers, and once even got into a fight. The mother managed to persuade her son to talk with a psychologist, after several sessions the child calmed down and returned to studies.
It is very important for a child, and especially a teenager, to be understood at home.
Constant conflicts, harsh, repressive methods of education, the systematic violation of personal boundaries often causes asocial acts and actions in response. nine0003
Social
Social factors are called factors that involve interaction with other people. These include:
- Communication difficulties. It is difficult for a child to communicate with peers;
- Marginal environment. Alcoholics, drug addicts;
- Forced communication with representatives of religious sects;
- Bullying. Bullying, ridicule, harassment, up to causing bodily harm; nine0028
- Violent actions. Sexual coercion, beating;
- Bad habits. Abuse of alcohol, drug use;
- Passion. Excessive commitment to youth subcultures.
Pay attention! Examples of deviant behavior can be found everywhere. Negative deviations are inherent in homeless people, street bandits.
Positive deviance was demonstrated by Einstein, Perelman, Steve Jobs and many other famous personalities whom we call geniuses. nine0003
Classification: types of deviant behavior
It is worth saying that in sociology such behavior is divided into positive and negative. Positive forms of deviations include:
- workaholism;
- increased interest in art, creativity, sciences;
- self-sacrifice;
- charity, volunteering;
- passion for diets and healthy lifestyles. nine0028
The listed forms of deviant behavior are considered positive, although they are, in fact, a deviation from generally accepted norms.
Negative deviant behavior consists in committing actions and deeds that are not accepted in society. Negative deviation is divided into several types:
- addictive;
- immoral;
- delinquent.
nine0075Negative deviation, in turn, is divided into several types with the following characteristics:
- Unconscious.
A person does not understand that his actions are forbidden, and performs them unconsciously;
- Nonconformist. The deviant is aware of his actions and commits them intentionally;
- Aberrant. Unacceptable acts are done secretly out of fear of judgment and punishment.
nine0075There is also a syndrome whose name sounds like "predeviant". It includes a number of features, including:
- regularly arising problems, conflict situations in communication with others;
- increased aggressiveness;
- negative attitude towards education and work.
Attention! Predeviant syndrome leads to persistent negative deviation. nine0003
Primary and secondary deviations
Primary deviant behavior generally corresponds to social norms. Violations are defined as minor and tolerable, so a person does not qualify as a deviant, and does not consider himself as such. His deviations are of a single nature and look in the eyes of others, rather, as an eccentricity, a little prank or a mistake.
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Secondary is called deviation, which does not fit into the socio-social framework and is clearly defined as deviant behavior. nine0003
The problem of deviant behavior has been in the spotlight since the emergence of psychology. (Wikipedia).Treatment
The fight against deviations involves an integrated approach using psychotherapy, psychocorrection and medicines.
Psychotherapy
Psychocorrection nine0003
Medications
Influence on the thinking of a teenager with the aim of his awareness of personality traits, the development of self-regulation skills
Stabilization of emotional status, development of attention
Complementary method of management of deviant patients who have psychotic and neurological diseases nine0003
During the conversations, conflict situations are analyzed with the definition of possible options for actions and reactions
Psychocorrection increases the effectiveness of psychotherapy, gives self-confidence, arouses interest in studies and professional activities.
The level of aggression is reduced by lithium preparations, antipsychotics and anticonvulsants. The choice of specific means depends on the manifestations of deviant behavior nine0003
Meetings with a psychologist or psychotherapist are also recommended for parents, which allows you to quickly and efficiently restore full-fledged relationships in the family. You can ask questions to a competent specialist remotely, by phone.
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FAQ
How do medications help with deviations?
+
There are many drugs that can be taken to correct deviant behavior.
The course of treatment may consist of antidepressants, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, sedatives. Doctors almost always prescribe B vitamins.
What is super motivation?
+
This means that the focus on results is simply prohibitive. According to psychologists, this form is a kind of compensation for experiences, deprivations in childhood or adolescence.
Is it possible to prevent deviant behavior in difficult teenagers?
+
Yes, the main component of success is control over studies and leisure activities. Conversations and persuasion often fail. Such teenagers perceive strict requirements quite calmly, so the risk of "damaging the psyche" is minimal. nine0003
Expert opinion
Deviant behavior is due to social, or biological or educational factors that require special attention when working with young people. Some sources argue that deviations cannot be excluded from society, while noting their progression in society during crises.
We publish only verified information nine0003
Article author
Monakhova Albina Petrovna clinical psychologist
Experience 17 years
Consultations 1439
Articles 292
Specialist in clinical psychology. Help in finding tools for self-realization, working out beliefs, fears and anxieties. Work with self-attitude, internal boundaries, understanding of interaction with society through conscious personal changes.
