[The Course]
In sociology deviance is understood as person behavior or actions, which violate social norms. This includes violating formal norms of behavior (e.g., fraudulent economic activity, theft, murder) as well as informal social norms violation (rejecting traditions, folkways etc.) (Macionis 194). Norms are rules expected to be followed by all members of society. And deviance means inability of a particular person to follow these norms.
It is important to state that common standard of normal behavior does not exist. Social norms can be distinct in different cultures, different regions of the world and even in different groups of people living in the same city. The act, which is considered to be deviant in one society, can be absolutely acceptable in another society. Any action or thought is not deviant itself: it becomes deviant only in relation to particular norms.
The well-known example of lifestyle acceptable in one region and completely unacceptable in another is women’s rights in the countries of Western civilization and Islamic countries. Throughout the 20th century women gained a lot of rights in Western countries, including ability to freely express thoughts, equal opportunities in the labor market, right to take part in elections and many others. But the situation in the Islamic world is different. Due to the religious limitations, behavior of women is strictly controlled.
In 2009 several women were accused in Sudan of “dressing improperly”. The punishment was imprisonment and, in some cases, 10 lashes. The crime was wearing trousers in public place (BBC). And the same approach is practiced in all Islamic countries. In Iran women who expose their hair or wear makeup in public can be whipped (Alinejad). In Saudi Arabia women don’t rave right to vote. And they also can’t legally drive motor vehicles (The Week). There was also a case in Nigeria, when a court convicted a divorced woman of bearing a child not in marriage and sentenced her to death by stoning (Dynes).
Very different attitude to controversial social practices can exist even in different parts of one country. The most vivid example of such approach is the United States. Although prostitution is prohibited in almost all the states, nevertheless, the state law permits it in rural areas of Nevada. Casinos operation is legal in 17 states, while in others they are available only in certain areas. In 28 states casinos can be opened only within Indian reservations, and 14 other states have casinos only at horseracing tracks (American Gaming Association).
It seems obvious that text-messaging while driving is dangerous to life and health. But only authorities of 26 states agree with this point of view. The other 6 states forbid this practice only for young drivers, and in other 18 states it is legal. Unisex marriages are legal in 37 states, but in others they are still forbidden (National Conference of State Legislatures).
Works Cited
Alinejad, Masih. “In Iran, Exposing Hair In Public Is A ‘Stealthy Freedom.’” Here & Now. [Online] Available November 17, 2015, at http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2015/11/17/my-stealthy-freedom.
American Gaming Association. “2013 State of the States. The AGA Survey of Casino Entertainment.” 2014. [Online] Available at https://www.americangaming.org/sites/default/files/research_files/aga_sos2013_rev042014.pdf.
BBC. “Sudan ‘Trousers Woman’ Released.” BBC Mobile News. [Online] Available September 8, 2009, at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8244339.stm.
Dynes, Michael. “Nigerian Woman Loses Appeal against Stoning Death.” News Africa. [Online] Available August 20, 2002, at http://www.independent.ie/world-news/africa/nigerian-mother-loses-appeal-against-stoning-death-26038329.html.
Macionis, John J. Sociology, seventh Canadian edition [by] Macionis/Gerber. Toronto: Pearson, 2011. Print.
National Conference of State Legislatures. “Same-Sex Marriage Laws.” National Conference of State Legislatures. [Online] Available June 26, 2015, at http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/same-sex-marriage-laws.aspx.
National Conference of State Legislatures. “State Traffic Safety Legislation Database.” National Conference of State Legislatures. [Online] Available September 2, 2015, at http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/state-traffic-safety-legislation-database.aspx.
The Week. “Eleven things women in Saudi Arabia cannot do.” The Week. [Online] Available February 4, 2016, at http://www.theweek.co.uk/60339/eleven-things-women-in-saudi-arabia-cant-do.
