Positivist and Constructionist Theories: Basic Differences

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Positivist and Constructionist theories: basic differences There exists conflicting theories among sociologists in the area of determining why a person is considered to be a deviant, and the reasons behind why he or she has committed a deviant act. From a positivistic perspective, deviance is based on biological or social determinism. Alternatively, from a constructionist perspective, deviance is created and assigned by society. Both perspectives seek to give a theory for why a person may become known as deviant. Although they both view similar acts as deviant, the basic differences between positivists and constructionists theories are clear. The Positivist Perspective Deviant theories from a positivist perspective are based on biological or social determinism. Determinism is the view that something “is determined or caused by forces beyond the individual’s control” (Thio, 2010, p. 7). Positivist sociologists apply the deterministic view to each individual deviant to determine the reason for his or her deviant behavior. Multiple theories from the positivist perspective try to explain the reason for deviant behavior. Phrenology and anomie-strain are two such theories that have been used to explain deviant behavior from this perspective. Sociologists from the older positivist perspective believed that deviant determinism was based on biological factors. Phrenology is an example that is based on biological factors. It “is the doctrine that proposes that psychological traits of personality, intellect, temperament and character are ascertainable from analysis of the protrusions and depressions of the skull” (Vukin, 2009, para. 2). Phrenology in this aspect was used to determine whether or not a person would contribute to society in a ... ... middle of paper ... ...ant can be attributed to some factor. In contrast, the constructionist perspective does not give a reason for and is not concerned with why a person has become a deviant. This perspective is worried about the meaning of deviance and how different acts are assigned as deviant. Even though both perspectives deal with who is or is not deviant, the positivist perspective is focused on the deviant and gives a reason for why someone commits a deviant act; whereas, the constructionist perspective focuses on the labeling of the deviant act and the response from other members of society in determining who is a deviant. Works Cited Thio, A. (2010). Deviant Behavior (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Vukin, M. C. (2009). Phrenology in America. Retrieved from Missouri Western State University Clearinghouse Site: http://clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/83.php

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