SOC 260 Deviance

In this course we will focus on sociological theories of deviance with an emphasis on how behaviors and identities are socially constructed as deviant (both today and historically). We will then turn our attention to major forms of deviance as typically defined in Western societies: criminal deviance "victimless crimes" and individuals with stigmatized identities. Throughout the course we will work to understand the complex relationship between social actors and audiences in defining deviance; the nature of social control in responding to deviance; and the experiences of "deviant" individuals.