Essay Deviance is Relative - 1566 Words

â€Å"Deviance is Relative† is a controversial topic that has caused intrigued sociologists to have debates in order to come to a conclusion. Because there is no absolute standard application towards deviating behavior, we can only gain knowledge through practical implications, main ideas, and concepts processes. Practical Implications of â€Å"Deviance is Relative† There is no absolute way of defining deviating acts. Deviance can only be defined in a relation to certain norms, but no standards are permanent. Norms can involve being within stereotypical viewpoints. Counter-stereotypical behavior may be viewed as acts of deviance; Phelan and Rudman defined backlash effects as â€Å"social and economic penalties for counter-stereotypical behavior†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦show more content†¦If society does not have any means of enforcing its norms, then that means anyone can do anything he/she wants. Without laws, society will become anarchy. An example is a murderer breaking the law and killing another human being for religious purposes. He will experience negative sanctions. He will either be on the run, in detention, or facing capital punishment. Because of possible circumstances, sanctions are necessary. Medicalization of deviance means to make deviance a medical matter; a symptom of some u nderlying illness that needs to be treated by physicians. Certain acts of deviance can be a sign of mental illness: Rape, murder, stealing, cheating and so on. Mental illness can stand for illogical thinking process. Thomas Szasz argues that â€Å"mental illnesses are neither mental nor illnesses. They are simply problem behaviors.† The problem with his theory is behavior results from thinking. Before a person is raped, the rapist contemplates about the most efficient way to rape someone. His contemplation or thinking process happened before his behavior. Another example is adultery. Whenever someone commits adultery, the person is aroused by sexual thoughts first. Subsequently, the act or behavior of adultery proceeds after the thoughts. My own analyses of stories that had been told to me helped lead me to this conclusion. The thoughts are the causes which lead to the effects: the behavior. White collar crime is crime committed byShow MoreRelatedDeviance : Deviance And De viance1335 Words   |  6 Pages Deviance is defined as the fact or state of departing from usual or accepted standards, especially in social or sexual behavior. There are many different forms of deviance in today s society. Something that is viewed as being deviant in one culture might be seen as normal in another. There are many different types and theories in which define deviance, however their are 3 broad categories, these 3 categories are positivist, relativist, and critical conceptions of deviance. These 3 categories areRead MoreCity of God Analysis954 Words   |  4 Pagestheories of crime and deviance. Some of the major theories I noticed throughout the movie were the functionalist theory, including examples of relative depravation, as well as the interactionist theory, including differential association and labeling. There was also evidence of the conflict theory and the control theory throughout the film. The functionalist theory states that hard work leads to rewards, and when these rewards are not sufficient, deviance arises. Crime and deviance result from â€Å"structuralRead More‚Äà ²Marxism Is No Longer Relevant to Our Understanding of Crime Deviance in Society‚Äà ´1269 Words   |  6 PagesIn order to answer the question, the terms Crime Deviance must firstly be defined. Crime is an act against the Law (robbery, murder etc), thus the act is known as illegal, whereas Deviance is an act that is not against the Law but an act seen as ‘abnormal’ and going against the norms values o f Society, such as cross-dressing etc. Marx developed the idea of Marxism (a conflict theory between Upper and Lower social classes) in the 18th Century, when social classes were very clearly defined-Read MoreTaking a Look at the Labeling Theory909 Words   |  4 Pagesare defining deviance based on primary deviance through implementing a label on the offender, discrimination by formal institutions, as well as the public based on what is defined as deviance, and continued deviance based on the label placed on offenders, which is known as secondary deviance in the labeling theory. Unlike traditional theories of deviance that use an absolute definition of deviance, labeling theory is centered on a relative definition of deviance. Using this relative definition ofRead MoreI Am A White, Cisgender, Colorado1007 Words   |  5 PagesGod and the teachings of the Bible. Where it is acceptable to display your emotions in one setting it may not be acceptable in another. It is often questioned what determines deviance, or what norms are people complying to that determines what is deviant and what is not. I have noted that the norms that determine deviance change depending on the particular setting, but which person determines these norms? Is the person that is deemed the most powerful the one that establishes these norms? Such asRead MoreWhat is Deviance? Essay1646 Words   |  7 Pages Deviance can be defined as an absence of conformity to the social norm. Not all deviant behavior is necessarily illegal or harmful to individuals, these behaviors can range from standing in another’s personal space to murdering another individual. In some cases, it can be looked upon as a positive change or a unique and favorable act. Although, considered deviant because it is not the social norm, it still can have a very positive social aspect or lead to social change. Culture and the societiesRead MoreEffects Of Labelling On Deviant Behaviour1502 Words à ‚  |  7 Pages What is defined as deviance can be dependent on one’s subjective views which can be influence the study of crime and reliability of crime statistics. Within my essay I’ll be exploring the effects of labelling on deviant behaviour, and the ways in which views differ due to the influence of various groups within society and the influence of the media on societies interpretation of deviance. Deviance is understood to be behaviour which deviates from what is seen as the norm or what is socially acceptableRead MoreSocial Deviance951 Words   |  4 PagesSocial Deviance Compiled by Parul Parihar As Young and Mack have pointed out, â€Å"No norm is always obeyed; no individual always conforms to every set of expectations†. Hence, deviance, that is, the act of going against the rules or norms is there everywhere. Deviant Behaviour such as knavery, cheating, adultery, unfairness, crime, malingering, immorality, dishonesty, betrayal, burglary, corruption, cunningness, sneakiness, wickednessRead MoreOutline and assess the view that crime and deviance are socially constructed1021 Words   |  5 Pagesand assess the view that crime and deviance are socially constructed There has been a pleather of research regarding the issue of crime and deviance. A definition of crime and deviance can be explained in relative terms which are dependant on any particular society’s interpretation of crime and deviance. Cultures differ from one society to another and the general consensus of right and wrong can also evolve throughout time. Definitions of crime and deviance can evolve with factors such as timeRead MoreEssay on Deviance and Society969 Words   |  4 Pages Determining Deviance The dictionary defines deviance as the breakdown or diversion from the accepted norm or expected standards of behaviour of a society. The concept of deviance however has no standard definition, it is deemed to be culturally relative. That is to say that your culture (norms, values and morals) determine what you as an individual or your society deems deviant behaviour. Functionalist Findings on Deviance The functionalist sociologist would

The Development Of An Individual And The Aspects Within...

Prior to Developmental Psychology, the summarized articles will indicate the development of an individual and the aspects within psychology. Developmental Psychology is the study of the way a human change over time throughout their life. Individuals face many issues and problems throughout their life that could possible affect their physically, emotionally, and mentally growth. As a parent and child develop individually, many skills and behaviors increase and decrease. In this case, communication seems to have a downfall as the child ages. Development being the way a person change over time, could destroy a family or relationship between two individuals. The article discuss the important of communicating with parents, for the growth of a child. Without parents, most things would not get cared for and responsible would become harsh. Parent became stressed and overwhelmed from the lack of control and parental knowledge from their disclosed child. A parents developmental skills decrease as they worry about the development and change of their child. Communication is the way to gaining knowledge and understanding to be able to develop the skills to become an outstanding individual in life (Keijser Poulin, 2013). Assess the professional roles, communication is a professional role to everyday life. Miscommunicating causes harm and dissatisfaction to oneself and others in many situations. In regard to developing, as an individual grow up, they believe they are able to handleShow MoreRelatedNature And Nurture s Effect On Behavior1690 Words   |  7 Pagesparents. My Initial Hypothesis The influence of one’s environment versus the influence of one’s parents and home life may not seem to be much of importance to the average individual. Prior to learning more about human psychological development, I too was guilty of not seeing the importance behind the influences effecting an individual. Both nature and nurture seem to have some relevance of importance; however, when taking a step back and looking at the entire picture, one seems to outweigh the otherRead MoreBehaviorism Was A Slow Revolution1604 Words   |  7 Pagesto become a popular study within psychology that lasted through the second decade of the twentieth century and through the beginning of the cognitive science revolution (Behjamin, 2014). During this time, there had been a vast amount of academic individuals that contributed to the multifaceted studies within the context of behaviorism. Many of the studies within this movement were based on the concept that all behaviors are the result of conditioning which the individual could be trained in an identifiedRead MoreAbstract. This Paper Is Meant To Provide An Overview Of1658 Words   |  7 Pagesmeant to provide an overview of what a developmental psychologist is and what preparation is needed for obtaining a professional position within this subfield of psychology. The topics covered within include a brief summary of what it takes to become a developmental psychologist, the educational requirements for certification/licensing needed for practicing psychology, and the occupational outlook for the field over the next few years. Additionally, some of the positions, duties, and work environmentsRead MoreThe Study of Human Behavior in Given Situations1613 Words   |  7 PagesPsychology is a social science study that covers diverse subject topics and carries out different forms of research in order to understand the development and function of human beings. It is a scientific study that focuses on peoples mind and its functions especially those affecting behavior in a particular context. Psychology is divided into different branches, and each branch addresses its own form of content in relation to mental processes and behavior. Social psychology is one of the psychologyRead More The Interrelationship among Self, Others, and Environment1177 Words   |  5 Pagesbehave the way they do? How do individuals form relationships with others? What components of an individual’s physiological makeup and the surrounding atmosphere affect the formation of judgments about themselves, others’, and every day events? Does one’s membership within a particular group affect his or her thoughts, emotions, and actions towards others? Is aggression the product of biology or environment? Questions such as this form the foundation of social psychology, a field with the primary focusRead MorePsychology : Human Mind And Its Functions1749 Words   |  7 PagesPsychology by definition from the Oxford d ictionary is the ‘scientific study of the human mind and its functions’, or in simpler terms ‘the mental characteristics or attitude of an individual’. This subject focuses on the mentality and behavioral aspects of humans, assessing the behavioral patterns occurring within the mind, and questioning how it controls certain parts of our bodily system. In the broad topic of psychology, the numerous aspects of it each have a distinct difference to one anotherRead MoreMulticultural Psychology Paper1094 Words   |  5 PagesMulticultural Psychology Paper Multicultural Psychology Paper Multicultural psychology is the systematic study of all aspects of human behavior as it occurs in settings where people of different cultural backgrounds encounter each other. Multiculturalism has been considered a fourth force in the field of psychology, supplementing behaviorism, psychodynamic theories, and humanistic psychology. It explores such topics as differences in worldviews and in means of communication; the acculturationRead MoreThe Movement Of Positive Psychology1151 Words   |  5 Pagespositive psychology is a reminder that our field and study has been focusing on things like anxiety, disease, weakness, and damage. This movement urged us to shift our focus to include the study of strength and virtue as well. Positive psychology is stating that the field of psychology is more than just the study of illness or health but rather it is also about â€Å"work, education, insight, love, growth, and play† (Seligman, 2002). Positive psychology is the study of strengths that enable individuals andRead MoreSocial Psychology Theories About Attitude Development And Attitude Change865 Words   |  4 PagesThis analytical paper is created in hopes of generating a deeper understanding of attitudes and social psychology and their importance to the social world for all individuals. This should be accomplished through evaluating and addressing how attitudes develop through the social learning theory and behaviorism; how attitudes change by implementing persuasion, cognitive dissonance, and emotion. Additionally, analyzing what approaches and programs are effective and ineffective in a couple of case studiesRead MoreBronfenbrenner s Theory Of Human Development1673 Words   |  7 PagesBronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory Background The study and research of human development has always been intriguing and intensive. There are five perspectives commonly discussed: psychoanalytic, learning, cognitive, contextual, and evolutionary/sociobiological. Those who follow the contextual perspective believe that development can be understood only in its social context. Also, they observe the individual as an inseparable component of the environment. Psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner is

Humanistic Theories free essay sample

Humanistic theories of personality and ‘The Matrix’; a critical evaluation of characters This essay aims to apply the humanistic theories in a practical way by examining them in terms of the first film in ‘The matrix’ series. Relevant themes throughout the film, interaction between the main characters and their personality development will be described in regards to Abraham Maslow’s, Carl Rogers’ and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s theories of personality. Personalities in the film are analysed from different perspectives, such as hierarchical needs theory, person-centred theory and lastly, the theory of flow. The aim is not just to capture the character’s personality but also to critically evaluate personality theories that have emerged from humanistic perspectives and explain about Neo’s journey of becoming ‘The One’ as reflected in self-actualization. The Matrix uncovers a secret which is that the lives of human beings are not real. Computer-generated programs guide their sensations creating an imaginary world – a matrix – while millions of humans are in fact floating in liquid, each of them having their own tanks connected to machines. It seems that artificial intelligence has taken over and enslaved humans to supply the energy needed for the function of machines. Throughout the film there is an emphasis on the characters having choice, for example, taking the blue or red pill. Similarly, the Oracle talks about Neo having to make a choice between Morpheus’ life and his own. This reflects the humanist approach of people having subjective influence on their lives rather than behaviour being determinist (Glassman, 2002). This can be further shown by Neo saying he doesn’t believe in fate because he doesn’t like not being in control of his life. There is a small group of rebels who are hiding in sewage canals left over by the ruined cities, on a ship called Nebuchadnezzar and who are not dependent on the matrix. In such harsh conditions, where free will is deprived, it can be observed how personality defines behaviour and how characters evolve as they interact in different situations. In the film there is an on-going battle between the crew and ‘the enemy’, represented mostly by ‘the agents’. This exposes the rebels to a lot of psychological pressure and distress. Thomas Anderson (Neo), a computer programmer (but hacker in his free time) has a regular job at a company when he realizes that something is wrong with the world surrounding him. Eager to find out the truth, Neo begins to search after a dangerous terrorist called Morpheus. After Neo has met Trinity in a night club, he is interrogated by the police. The Police ask him to collaborate but he refuses. Neo risks everything without knowing what to expect. According to Maslow and Rogers, people have instinctual tendencies towards healthy growth; human nature is positively based on free will and is able to feel subconsciously what is right (J. Maltby, 2010). So Neo is motivated to oppose authority and not show obedience because he does not trust the police and senses that helping them is the wrong choice. In a study investigating groups of infants’ prior language formation and cultural influence, P. Bloom and K. Wynn (2011) observed that toddlers had a sense of morality. They could clearly distinguish figures of a puppet-show acting ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. Indeed, humans are born inheritably good with a sense of morality. After an adventurous journey, Neo meets Morpheus and his crew on the Nebuchadnezzar. Neo finds out what the matrix is and, as he starts to interact with the rest of the crew, different characters make their appearance. Morpheus becomes a real mentor, teaching Neo every single trick on how to combat the enemy. Neo is also told about the prophecy as he is predicted to be the saviour of human beings. It seems that this belief motivates Neo to train harder, surprising the others. He quickly acquires new combat skills, becoming faster and stronger. As Rogers explains, environment plays an important role in motivation (extrinsic motivation) but does not suggest why Neo is so willing to learn that skill (Feist amp; Feist, 2009). Behind perseverance there should be a satisfaction which guides behaviour to a certain goal. Csikszentmihalyi explains that a person who fully merges in a challenging activity will experience ‘flow’ if he/she is intrinsically motivated (Csikszentmihalyi amp; Lefevre, 1989). A person like Neo, when focusing on a task (an activity which is rewarding), will manage to extricate himself from worries and after successful completion, will feel energised and strengthened. In contrast, Maslow said that dissatisfaction will take over the personality and will cause depression (Feist amp; Feist, 2009). However, relative satisfaction allows the organism to be prepared for the higher level of needs. Trinity displays affection towards Neo, which creates a conflict with Cypher (one of the operators). In a scene where Trinity brings food to Neo while he is sleeping, Cypher waits for her outside the chamber making remarks. Was he jealous or envious? This, however, cannot be concluded for sure. From Maslow’s point of view, on one hand Cypher needs love and affection and because he did not meet his need this may have generated Cypher’s anger. On the other hand, he was expecting to be treated the same as Neo by Trinity (or the crew). This need has been identified by Maslow as esteem needs. Indeed, Cypher is not content, and he might regret his decision because in the other scene where he is having a conversation with Neo, he reveals that he cannot understand why he has chosen to take the red pill. When he took the pill he knew that there was no turning back, but who knows what is in his mind. Maslow noticed that whether people feel motivated or not, they have to meet certain needs in order to survive and grow. Because some needs have to be met before others, he established a hierarchical order; from lower needs at the base towards higher needs at the top as follows: deficiency needs Biological needs, safety needs (security, order, law, stability), a sense of belongingness and love; growth needs Esteem needs, self-actualization needs and at the top of the pyramid transcendence (Feist amp; Feist, 2009). Maslow’s hierarchical need theory was derived originally from the drive reduction theory of Clark Hull (around the 1940s). Hull believed that behaviour occurs in response to drives. All drives emerge from biological needs and create internal tensions which need to be reduced. Maslow observed that this theory was able only to explain behaviours motivated by physiological needs and called these needs deficiency needs and explained that these must be fulfilled; otherwise they will generate negative emotions. In order to be able to focus on higher level needs practically, the body has to meet all its requirements to function properly. When Neo arrives in the real world and meets the crew, he is exhausted and suffers from shock. In order to function properly, Neo needs time for physical recovery and to clear his mind. He also finds it difficult to adjust to the real world from the Matrix (this could be reflected in Rogers’ theory). Rogers mostly agreed with Maslow that all humans are motivated to act towards fulfilment (known as actualizing tendency) but he believed in universal laws. He assumed that organisms have a tendency to be organised from simple into more complex forms (formative tendency). In his theory, he considered that the perception of ‘the self’ is the result of a subjective experience of reality. The self-image of a person is in continuous change and has to fit into reality otherwise it will be unrealistic and the person becomes confused (Feist amp; Feist, 2009). So Neo finds it difficult to adjust as there is a contrast between the self and the ideal self, resulting in incongruence. This incongruence also could explain why Cypher betrays the team, which will be explored later. Smith talks about billions of people living out their lives in the Matrix – but doing so they never reach self-actualization. One could say that that there is an analogy between the situation created by the machines and dictatorial regimes. In both cases, they play by the same rules, deceiving and depriving people and they commit anything just to get the system working. From a humanist perspective, it could be argued that these societies do not always encourage individuals to develop their full potential. However, it is possible that deprivation of liberty will elicit resistance, motivating humans to act with regard to their needs, as per Maslow’s teachings. The control of the matrix could also be paralleled with Roger’s conditional positive regard with leads to incongruence. At several points in the film we see the crew hiding from the sentinel robots. Safety needs are at the second level (from the base) of the pyramid. These needs are also essential for survival. As soon as deficiency needs are met, motivation ceases. If we think that an animal act instinctively when looks for shelter and once settled is prepared to protect it; this has a similarity with human behaviour. However , Maslow considered that, â€Å"†¦animal instincts cannot be used as a model for human behaviour. † (Feist amp; Feist, 2009, p. 293). This is arguable because humans, the same as animals, do not think much when they have basic needs and could be guided by similar instincts for survival. Evidence to this comes from the instinct theory of motivation which says that we behave in a certain way because we are evolutionarily programed to do so. Whereas Hull (1943) believed that needs are of a physiological nature, McClellend (1965) theorized that needs are learned as people feel a need to achieve things (a distinct human motive) which he labelled as a need for achievement. Maslow’s theory comprises both concepts, is widely accepted and has practical application but it seems that it is not supported by enough empirical evidence. In a scene where the crew sits in the kitchen and are having lunch, Mouse, a developer of training programs, talks about the fundamental needs of humans. He thinks that needs make us to behave as humans, to live as humans. Mouse says â€Å"To deny our impulses are to deny the very thing that makes us human. † Unlike deficiency motives, growth needs rely on motives which confer positive satisfaction to a developing individual. These needs are to fulfil individual potential such as a thirst for knowledge, giving and accepting unconditional love. Maslow explains that if the needs of love and belongingness are satisfied, this almost spontaneously triggers the activation of esteem needs (e. g. self-esteem, personal worth). It is evident that Neo has all these qualities, best illustrated in some of the last scenes at the end of the film. He is ready to sacrifices himself in order to save Morpheus; he feels strongly attached to the rebels because they accept and trust him; he manages to trust his senses and makes the impossible become possible. Helped by Trinity, he saves Morpheus and learns how to consciously control the matrix. He is on the way to becoming self-actualized. One of the major themes of the film is about Neo being ‘The One’ and this fits in with Maslow’s self-actualisation concept. Human beings have a desire to fully develop their potential towards happiness and well-being. Our actualizing potential, according to Rogers is crucial for psychological health and if this potential is blocked then psychological problems appear (Glassman, 2002). When Maslow noticed that not all people reach self-actualization, he started collecting characteristics of self-actualizing people. While he observed that these people fulfilled their needs to grow and they are not dependent on them, he also found that these people are motivated by what he called ‘eternal verities’ and described as B values. He managed to define 15 qualities (e. g. more efficient perception of reality) of these people (Feist amp; Feist, 2009). From the very beginning Neo had all these characteristics but he did not have a chance to discover them. He was motivated by B values, values of human virtue. Maslow also discovered that these people had ‘peak’ experiences (meaning: loss of fear, conflict, more active and more self-determined). Peak experiences could happen to anybody but not as frequently and intensively as to self-actualized people. Csikszentmihalyi’s (1999) findings were similar to what Maslow found but the peak experience he defined as optimal experience. The scene where The Oracle says â€Å"Being yourself is like being in love† could be linked with peak experiences because what she is saying supports the idea of individuals experiencing self-actualization through peak experiences and being in love could be described as one. Csikszentmihalyi also believed that the more satisfied a person is the more often she or he will experience happiness. He thought that people engage in activities because this involvement creates satisfaction (positive emotions), therefor seeking satisfaction they are motivated to do so (Bose, 2008). Maslow acknowledged that behaviour can have various aspects resulting from a multitude of motives or behaviours which lack motivation, like expressive behaviours. Cypher had various motives for betraying the crew. He did not follow Morpheus’ beliefs and secondly, he was dissatisfied with his situation, like always fighting for survival. Cypher’s personality was negative because he may have experienced a potential threat in his childhood. Studies proved that there is an interplay between nature and nurture in term of anti-social behaviour; if children inherit aggressiveness or grow up in an endangered environment, they are likely to engage in anti-social behaviours (Viding, 2004). In addition, Cypher’s self-image did not fit into reality and contradicted what the other members believed which created further conflicts. Therefore, he collaborated with agents asking them a small favour and to plug back into the matrix. In his case it can be observed how external forces controlled his feelings and judgements or could be described by the cognitive approach of motivation. Cypher attempts to achieve some personal goals and has to make a series of decisions. From his point of view, he made rational choices and planned each step of his action. According to Heylinghen (1992) cognitive incompetence inhibits self-actualization, which can be traced back in childhood. He said that cognitive development needs to have a stable foundation with flexible and adaptive characteristics. If these requirements are not met in childhood then this will have consequences later on. In parallel, Maslow recognised that people have a desire to know. If this need of cognition is blocked then the person will not be able to satisfy any hierarchical needs properly (satisfaction of needs require cognitive potential). In conclusion, personality is complex and that cannot be captured by only one theory. Whether it is studied in a social context or from cognitive perspectives, it is important to see and understand how ndividuals are motivated, how they perceive and interact with each other; if motives are identified then prediction on behaviour can be made. In addition, motives do not always guide behaviour and apart from Carl Rogers, humanistic theories do not capture as much on individual differences as trait theory does.