Social Deviant Theory

625 Words2 Pages

Nice post! Are you familiar with the theory of differential association? It is a learning theory that focuses on the processes by which individuals come to commit deviant or criminal acts. According to the theory, created by Edwin H. Sutherland, criminal behavior is learned through interactions with other people. Through this interaction and communication, people learn the values, attitudes, techniques, and motives for criminal behavior. Perhaps the next time you see a person smoking you will think about the motive behind smoking. Great post! If you take a look at differential association theory it emphasizes the interaction people have with their peers and others in their environment. Those who associate with delinquents, deviants, or criminals …show more content…

Many people feel that the stereotype of someone with an addiction is a social deviant -- someone who breaks the accepted norms of human behavior. But this isn't always the case. Certainly, some addictive behaviors are considered socially unacceptable, and therefore the person doing them can be considered a social deviant. Heroin use, for example, is quite rare in the general population, and would be considered quite shocking in most social circumstances. Do you agree? Is someone with an addiction a social deviant in our society? Not questions you have to answer just getting you thinking. Great post! While most people shy away from becoming deviants by smoking in communities and sub-cultures where tobacco use is common, it is not really socially deviant to smoke daily. If your parents took it, and your friends and neighbors all take it, smoking helps you to fit in with those around you. Great post! When we talk about smoking, many people consider it a addiction and its “bad”. On the other hand, many addictive behaviors are considered acceptable by mainstream society, and are even encouraged. Alcohol is arguably one of the most harmful drugs in use, but its consumption by adults is accepted and encouraged in every strata of society, including the highest classes. Furthermore, you can actually ostracize yourself by not drinking alcohol in some social situations where it is expected. Just something to get you

Open Document