Deviant Behavior

Deviant Behavior Theories. Overview.

Earliest Theory: Demon Possession, Witchcraft, Evil

In Europe, beginning in the middle of the 1400's and extending until well into the 1700s deviant behavior (or accusations of deviant behavior) was attributed to a pact with the devil. Witchcraft was not merely an academic theory; it was a raging frenzy of fear and irrationality. In the Innocent VIII: BULL Summis desiderantes, Dec. 5th, 1484, it states:

…many persons of both sexes, heedless of their own salvation and forsaking the catholic faith, give themselves over to devils male and female, and by their incantations, charms, and conjurings, and by other abominable superstitions… We therefore, desiring, as is our duty, to remove all impediments by which in any way the said inquisitors are hindered in the exercise of their office.

Officials of the day were extremely serious about abolishing wicked, immoral, and in their belief system, frequently lethal -- witchcraft.

Most of the poor, miserable individuals who were accused of witchcraft - were tortured until finally, they were willing to confess to any behavior, no matter how preposterous. Sometimes, if they were lucky, they were found innocent, yet many died guiltless victims of mass hysteria. The belief that individuals can be possessed by Lucifer was quite pervasive. When Europeans moved to the New World they brought these superstitions with them. The site of our New World ignominy was Salem, Massachusetts. The latter part of the 17th Century was infamous for the Salem Witch Hunts. Though most "witches" were female, in 1692, William Barker was accused of witchcraft. This is an excerpt from the examination of William Barker:

He confesses he has been in the snare of the devil three years, that the devil first appeared to him lyke a black man and perceived he had a cloven foot, That the devil demanded of him to give up himself soul & Body unto him, which he promesed to doe. And the devil told him he would pay all his debts and he should live comfortably ...

Though, this sounds ridiculous to those of us who reside in the 21st century, it was quite reasonable to people who lived in a society historically rooted in the occult. There are people, usually adolescents, in our time who claim to be vampires and witches. Their costumes, claims and behaviors are considered deviant, though few individuals would consider their fanciful claims factual. We will delve deeper into the beliefs and behaviors of "vampires" and "Satanist" in another chapter.

Normative Perspective

The normative perspective of deviant behavior posits that deviant behavior breaks a societal norm. A norm is a rule that most of the members of a society agree upon. There are different types of norms, for example - general, specific, moral and legal norms. A general norm applies to all members of society in almost all situations. Thou shall not steal is a general norm. It is also a legal norm, and many people would argue that it is also a moral norm. Prostitution would be a legal and moral norm except, of course, where it is legal. Norms that apply because of the age of the individual are specific norms. In many states one cannot buy alcohol or tobacco products unless he or she is over the legal age. Therefore, adolescents are a highly regulated segment of society - simply due to their age. Most adolescents will outgrow that disadvantage.

Labeling Theory

Labeling theory takes the position that deviance is not a fixed, identifiable state; rather, it is a result of the labeling process. In other words, something is deviant simply because, we, society, have chosen to call it deviant. During prohibition drinking alcohol was deviant because it suddenly became illegal during the prohibition years. However, we can be relatively certain that many individuals were still imbibing like fish as humans have done for two millennia. Currently, alcohol is legal and marijuana is illegal. Thought using marijuana for non-medical purposes did not become illegal in New York until 1927. What is considered deviant behavior tends to evolve as the society in which the behavior is condemned changes.

Labeling theory also suggests that once an individual has been labeled he or she is more likely to exhibit behaviors consistent with that label. This can be detrimental not only for adolescents but also racial groups and even "the wrong side of the tracks" neighborhoods. In his study of labeling, Paul Hirschfield (2004) suggests:

Mass criminal justice involvement may shift aspirations and revise status criteria among disadvantaged urban youth in a manner which - akin to individual labeling processes - promotes the reproduction of future criminals and prisoners.

Youths trapped in a high crime neighborhood may expect to become criminals and thus not recognize the possibility of other more socially acceptable options. In fact, adolescents who are labeled "criminal" or "deviant" may find access to legitimate employment and educational opportunities closed to them.

This theory of deviance was popular in the 1960's and 1970's. Supporters failed to produce the empirical evidence needed to gain scientific credibility. That certainly does not necessarily mean labeling theory is without merit. Detractors suggest that that criminal behavior frequently preceded the label "criminal." Obviously, it is not the entire answer to socially unacceptable behavior.

Conclusion

At one time, suicides were buried in unhallowed ground; these poor, tragic souls were not allowed to rest in peace with family members. Until 1823 suicides in England were buried as crossroads with a stake through their hearts. Today, we would consider such harsh judgments and reactions cruel and socially unacceptable.

Therefore, when we consider the deviance of a behavior we must consider the context, location and time in which it occurs. If a behavior is accepted in other societies and at other times, what does that say? What is the reason for a certain social tabor? Logic goes a long way in determining which behaviors are inherently harmful, thus deviant, and which behaviors are simply unpopular and ill advised at that moment.

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