‘Under-socialisation is the main reason that individuals act in deviant ways.’ Using sociological material, give one argument against this view.
CAMBRIDGE
A level and AS level
2023
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Introduction
Introduce the concept of under-socialization and its relation to deviance. Briefly state the argument against under-socialization as the main cause of deviant behavior, emphasizing the complexity of deviance and the need for broader sociological perspectives.
Cultural Differences and Subcultural Influences
Challenge the notion of a universal standard of socialization. Explain how subcultural norms and values can differ from mainstream society, leading to behaviors perceived as deviant. Provide examples such as youth subcultures or specific cultural practices.
Measurement and Definition Issues
Highlight the difficulty in objectively defining and measuring under-socialization. Explain how this lack of clarity weakens its explanatory power. Use examples to illustrate the subjective nature of determining "adequate" socialization.
Deviance in Socialized Individuals and Groups
Present examples of individuals and groups who have undergone seemingly adequate socialization but still engage in deviant behavior. White-collar crime among professionals or deviance within privileged social groups can serve as strong counter-arguments.
Alternative Explanations for Deviance
Introduce alternative sociological theories that offer different perspectives on the causes of deviance. Briefly explain:
- Biological and psychological theories (focusing on individual predispositions)
- Social resistance frameworks (emphasizing power dynamics and labeling)
- Social exchange theory (highlighting social pressure for conformity)
- Structural approaches (considering socio-economic factors and inequalities)
Conclusion
Reiterate the limitations of viewing under-socialization as the primary driver of deviance. Emphasize the need for a multi-faceted approach that considers cultural variations, individual differences, social structures, and power dynamics to understand the complex phenomenon of deviant behavior.
Argument Against Under-socialization as the Main Cause of Deviant Behavior
While under-socialization is often cited as a key factor in deviant behavior, arguing that a lack of proper socialization leads individuals to break societal norms, this essay will argue against this simplistic view. Examining cultural differences, measurement challenges, alternative explanations, and the role of social structures, this essay will demonstrate that under-socialization, while a contributing factor, is not the primary cause of deviant behavior.
Cultural Relativism and Subcultural Influences
One must first consider the subjective nature of deviance. What is considered deviant in one culture may be perfectly acceptable in another. For example, ritualistic scarification, deemed deviant in many Western societies, holds cultural significance in some indigenous communities (Newman, 2012). This highlights the importance of understanding deviance through the lens of cultural relativism.
Furthermore, the existence of subcultures within larger societies demonstrates how individuals who may seem under-socialized from a mainstream perspective are, in fact, adhering to different norms and values. Albert Cohen's study of "delinquent boys" (Cohen, 1955) showed how these youths formed their own subculture with its own status hierarchy and rules, directly challenging mainstream societal norms. This illustrates that what appears as deviant behavior can often be attributed to different socialization processes within subcultures.
Measurement and Definition Challenges
Attributing deviant behavior solely to under-socialization presents a significant challenge: accurately defining and measuring "under-socialization" itself. Without clear, universally accepted criteria, it becomes difficult to determine the degree to which an individual has been "under-socialized" and to establish a causal link between this and their deviant actions. This lack of a standardized measurement undermines the explanatory power of under-socialization as a primary cause of deviance.
Alternative Explanations for Deviance
Numerous alternative explanations for deviant behavior challenge the under-socialization theory. Biological theories suggest that certain individuals may be predisposed to deviance due to genetic factors or brain chemistry imbalances (Rocque, 2017). Psychological theories, such as Freud's psychoanalytic theory, point to personality factors like weak superegos as potential contributors to deviant behaviour (Freud, 1923).
Moreover, social resistance theories highlight how power dynamics within society can lead to the labeling of certain groups or behaviors as "deviant." As sociologist Howard Becker argued in his labeling theory, powerful groups define what is considered deviant, and individuals labeled as such may internalize this label and act accordingly (Becker, 1963). This perspective emphasizes the social construction of deviance and challenges the notion that it stems solely from individual shortcomings in socialization.
Social Pressures, Conformity, and Structural Factors
The persistence of social pressure promoting conformity, as suggested by social exchange theory, further complicates the idea of under-socialization as the primary driver of deviance. Individuals constantly weigh the costs and benefits of conforming to social norms. Deviant behavior may arise not from a lack of socialization but from a calculated decision where the perceived benefits outweigh the potential consequences.
Equally important are structural approaches to understanding deviance. Socio-economic factors like poverty, lack of opportunity, and social inequality can create an environment where individuals are more likely to engage in deviant behavior as a means of survival or a response to systemic disadvantages. For example, Robert Merton's strain theory argues that deviance arises when there is a disconnect between societal goals (like financial success) and the legitimate means to achieve them (Merton, 1938). This highlights how societal structures, rather than individual socialization, can contribute significantly to deviant behavior.
Conclusion
Attributing deviant behavior primarily to under-socialization presents a simplified and incomplete picture. While socialization plays a crucial role in shaping individual behavior, it is essential to recognize the complexity of deviance and acknowledge the influence of cultural variations, subcultural dynamics, measurement challenges, alternative explanations, social pressures, and structural factors. A comprehensive understanding of deviance requires considering a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the interplay of individual, social, and structural influences. Only then can we move beyond simplistic explanations and develop more nuanced and effective strategies for addressing deviance in society.
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Argument against the view that under-socialization is the main reason individuals act in deviant ways:
One argument against the explanation that under-socialization is the main cause of deviant behavior is the critique of this perspective in terms of differences in culture rather than under-socialization. This critique suggests that deviant behavior can often be better understood through the lens of subcultural influences rather than solely attributing it to a lack of socialization.
Moreover, it is challenging to measure or define what constitutes under-socialization accurately, making it difficult to study whether under-socialization is indeed the primary cause of deviance. This lack of clear criteria for under-socialization undermines the explanatory power of this theory when analyzing deviant behavior.
In addition, the theory of under-socialization fails to account for instances of deviant acts among individuals and groups who have undergone what might be considered adequate socialization. For example, university students or individuals from middle-class backgrounds who engage in white-collar crime challenge the notion that under-socialization is the sole explanation for deviance in society.
Furthermore, alternative explanations for deviant behavior include biological and psychological theories focusing on deficient personalities predisposed to deviance, as well as social resistance frameworks that suggest certain marginalized or resistant groups are labeled as deviant based on power dynamics rather than their level of socialization.
Evidence also suggests the persistence of social pressure promoting conformity, as proposed by social exchange theory, which further complicates the simplistic view that under-socialization is the primary driver of deviant behavior.
Finally, structural approaches that emphasize socio-economic factors as influential in shaping deviant or criminal behavior provide a broader perspective on the roots of deviance beyond individual levels of socialization.
Note: The arguments presented against the view that under-socialization is the main reason individuals act in deviant ways highlight the complexity of deviant behavior and the need to consider a variety of sociological perspectives to fully understand its causes.