Emile Durkheim viewed deviance as a fact of normal life. He explained that deviance was necessary to understand normal behavior. Rules that separate deviant behavior from normal behavior help people know how to live good lives. In other words, the deviant acts “define and support morality.”
Secondly Durkheim explained that the societal borders between right and wrong can help people understand deviant behavior and its consequences. There are people who exhibit deviant behavior and people who do not exhibit deviant behavior; both are necessary.
Thirdly Durkheim explains that witnessing deviant behavior can draw a group or community closer together. By banding against deviant behavior, people experience a shared morality.
The fourth function of deviance according to Durkheim is to stretch the boundaries of the larger portion of society. Deviant behavior at first causes outrage and condemnation. As the behavior continues and people witness the positive as well as the negative consequences of a behavior the boundaries against it soften. Eventually many acts considered deviant become an accepted part of the whole society.
In the 1950s rock and roll was immediately condemned by parents who were afraid of rock and roll. They perceived it as causing deviant behavior in their children. Rock and roll continued to be played and heard throughout the country. In contemporary times rock and roll is accepted as an important style of music throughout society.
Marijuana was condemned as the ‘devil’s weed’ and other negative labels. Again parents were outraged about the use of marijuana. ‘Deviant behavior’ was thought to come in many forms and a lot of bad behavior was attributed to smoking marijuana. There was a big movement to stop people from smoking marijuana. Now in 2012 there is a big movement to legalize marijuana. It is a movement backed by some of the most powerful people in communities including doctors, pharmacists and psychiatrists.
Most deviant behaviors cause a lot of people to feel worry and fear about what might happen with this new change. Eventually when they see the world is not going to end the behavior earns a place in society. Durkheim was very insightful when it came to human behaviors.
