Social Deviance

Mental illness and deviance will often go hand in hand. Mental illness is not considered normal and hence not all deviants are considered mentally ill, but entirely all mentally disturbed persons are considered abnormal. When sociologists study deviance, they often study mental illness. The main theoretical framework looks at the social systems in which mental illness is treated, defined and identified (Gove, 1982)
. According to the functionalists, society sets values about conforming mannerisms by recognizing mental disorders while symbolic interactionists, find mentally disturbed persons not as sick but as victims of unfair community reactions to their behavior (Knuttila, 2012). Two possible theories can link deviance to mental illness based on sociologists. These theories are; being female in a sexist community and stresses of the less fortunate in the society which contribute to higher rates of mental illness because of the harsh social environment (Akers, 1977).
It is argued that persons in a community with few resources are likely to be termed as mentally ill or deviant as compared to groups in higher social and economic status (Askers, 1977). For instance, if a girl from a poor background behaves in an absurd manner she would be declared mentally unstable whereas if a girl from a rich background acts, in the same way, she would be regarded eccentric. From the above discussions, it can be concluded that societal reactions may significantly influence the mental stability of a person and hence leading to deviance. It also leads to the conclusion that not all behaviors are judged in a similar manner by all groups and hence what is perverted in one group might not be inappropriate in another group.
Following Rodney king’s events in the video, apparently the jury was put in charge to decide whether the amount of force used by the police was appropriate or inappropriate. The results stated that the officers were not guilty providing the basis for the level of force used as appropriate.  At this time of age, the video equipment is quite beneficial in attaining justice since it offers the actual happenings during a particular time. With the help of the video, the public can confidently air its opinion against the ruling hence promoting justice.
People who study deviance and crime examine cultural norms, how they are reinforced and change over time and what happens to societies or individuals when broken. Deviance and social norms vary among communities, nations, and times, and hence people have an interest as to why the differences exist and how they impact on the individuals and groups in those areas. Responding to deviance helps clarify moral boundaries. One can draw boundaries between right and wrong by defining some individuals as deviant theory (Thorlindsson & Bernburg, 2004). Deviance also brings people together since they react to abnormality with shared outrage. Therefore, they strengthen the moral links that bind them. For example the 911 terrorist attacks that increased the patriotism in the desire to protect the country based on Durkheim structural function perspective theory (Thorlindsson & Bernburg, 2004).
Further response to deviance helps an individual in affirming cultural norms and values. It is essential to support and define morality since people make choices on the behaviors and attitudes they prefer. There can be no justice without crime and no good without an evil hence definition of virtue rests on opposing the idea of vice (Edgerton, 1978). Studying of deviance will help encourage social change. Deviant persons always push societies’ moral boundaries leading to the suggestion of alternatives and supporting change. For example, rock and roll that was initially condemned became a mainstream multi-billion dollar industry. Hence the conclusion that study of deviance is necessary for a broad perspective in a person’s life.
References
Gove, W. (1982). Deviance and mental illness. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications.
Knuttila, K. (2012). Introducing sociology: A critical approach (5.th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Akers, R. L. (1977). Deviant behavior: A social learning approach.
Thorlindsson, T., & Bernburg, J. G. (2004). Durkheim’s theory of social order and deviance: a multi-level test. European Sociological Review, 20(4), 271-285.
Edgerton, R. B. (1978). 13 The Study of Deviance—Marginal Man or Everyman?. The making of psychological anthropology, 444.