Beliefs & Deviance

Beliefs & Deviance

The study of deviance is directly linked to social power and the influence of social class - the divisions between the privileged and the poor. The shared system of beliefs? values and ideas are framed by those in power and control? which justifies the interests of the dominant groups (Macionis, 2006). This brings us to the examination of the theoretical approaches in the studies of homosexuality as a deviant act. The Conflict Theory suggests that deviance is intentionally chosen and often political by nature. Individuals principally choose to take on deviant behaviour in response to the inequality and discrimination of the capitalist structure (Newman: 2004). As a result? members of countercultural groups are then deemed as 'deviant'? such as supporters of gay liberation movements who were involved in conspicuous political acts which challenged the social order (Macionis, 2006).

The other and one of the most significant approaches to understanding deviance is the labeling theory. Howard Becker is one of the notable sociologists who offers the most influential formulation of the labeling perspective. According to Becker (1963? citied in Roach-Anleu: 2003)? deviance is not attributed by traits of an individual or groups? but rather an effect of the successful application by people in power to individuals who break the norms. Essentially? the act of labeling is imposed on by the dominant groups who are able to inflict ideas of conventional morality on others. Through the successful application of a label? a social discredit known as stigma is attached on rule-breakers? hence outcasting the deviants. (Holmes? Hughes & Julian 2003).

Since approximately 1960? the labeling theory has been one of the chief perspectives utilized in examining the behaviour of homosexualities? amongst many other forms of deviance (Harry & DeVall 1978). Homosexuality? which indicates sexual acts or sexual feelings directed at individuals of the same sex? is possibly the most stigmatized of the major types of sexual variance (Robertson 1980). Violators of imperative social norms? in this case heterosexuality? are constantly stigmatized; they are identified to be dissimilar from supposed normal people? but they are also discerned as being socially disgraced. The society? through the church? the medical community? and the law stigmatizes gays as sick? immoral? criminal? and shameful. In the community? they are publicly given condemnatory labels? such as 'queers?' 'dykes?' 'fags?' and 'fairies.' This societal reaction to homosexuals has numerous consequences for them (Eitzen & Baca-Zinn: 2000).

The tremendously negative ...