Robert Merton's Theory Of Deviance In Society

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Deviance or aberrance underscores any form of misdemeanor towards the generally acceptable principles or norms in any given society. Some factors to consider when defining deviance include gender, location, social status, and age. For instance, the crying of women in public in reiteration to emotional moments is not considered deviant in most societies. On the other hand, the crying of men in public places amounts to deviance in some societies, as it is against the norm for men to cry. Today in the United States, the crying of men in response to celebrations or achievements is a norm. In addition, a person laughing loudly at a funeral service is deviant, but when the same happens in a wedding or a political rally, it becomes the norm. In terms of status, an influential person can avoid protocols of a long queue waiting for security check to enter a building, but an ordinary person would be branded deviant for trying to do the same. Being deviant does not qualify one as a criminal, as some deviant acts are admirable; for instance, risking one’s life to save a drowning baby or representing one’s nation at war. Endangering one’s life is against the norm of the society. Case study I …show more content…

He talks of social instability defined by a society of haves and have-nots. In addition, he talks of some people having defined goals to success and creating the means through hard work and education. He goes ahead and describes the poor as having blocked access to their ends. However, he fails to identify who blocks their way or who provided the means for the haves. It is all about hard work and perception. Rebels are guided by choice and the same applies to the conformists. If I decided to go back on the streets and start begging as a means of livelihood, the proponents of this theory would label me an innovator. This aspect means that agree to the common goals of society, but I am not willing to work or use legitimate ways to get

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