Example of Deviance in Society

Introduction to Deviance

Deviance is a big topic in sociology and criminology. Basically, it's all about behavior that goes against what society expects or considers normal. You know, like when someone does something that's frowned upon. This could be small stuff, like jaywalking, or really serious things, like murder. In this essay, we're gonna take a closer look at one example of deviance—drug addiction—digging into its history, the debates around it, how it's evolved over time, and how society tries to deal with it.

The Roots of Deviance

Throughout history, every society has had its own set of rules and norms guiding how people should behave. When folks break these rules, they become "deviant," facing social disapproval or even punishment. Early sociologists like Emile Durkheim and Robert Merton tried to figure out why some people stick to these norms while others don’t.

An Example: Drug Addiction

Let's talk about drug addiction as an example of deviance. It's when someone can't stop using drugs despite knowing the harm it causes—a big no-no since it breaks society's expectations for self-control and sobriety. But there's this whole debate: Is addiction a moral failing or more of a medical issue? Some say it's just poor choices by individuals; others see it as a disease needing treatment.

The Evolution of Understanding Drug Addiction

Our view on drug addiction has changed over time. It used to be seen mainly as a crime; addicts were punished for their habits. But now we know more about addiction—it’s considered a health issue instead of just criminal behavior. Because of this shift, there are now programs aimed at helping addicts recover and reintegrate into society.

The U.S. War on Drugs

The U.S.'s War on Drugs is a key example here. This government initiative aimed to tackle illegal drug trade and addiction issues but ended up treating addiction mostly as a crime problem rather than a health issue. Critics say this led to jailing many addicts without much focus on rehabilitation or recovery.

A Shift Toward Health-Based Solutions

Lately, there's been a move toward seeing drug addiction as more of a public health crisis than just something for the criminal justice system to handle. Programs like drug courts are gaining attention—they focus on providing treatment instead of punishment for those caught with drugs. These initiatives try to address underlying causes of addiction, like trauma or mental health problems, offering support to help folks overcome their addictions.

Research Contributions

Research into addiction has really helped us understand drug use as deviant behavior better too. Studies show that factors like genetics, environment, and psychology can play huge roles in addiction—not just personal failings or lack of morals! This research helps remove some stigma around addiction while pushing for more compassionate approaches based on evidence.

Conclusion

So yeah, looking at drug addiction as an example of deviance shows how important it is to get what makes people act certain ways—and why responses need nuance and compassion too! By studying deviance further (and researching!), we might come up with better strategies for tackling issues affecting individuals—and society at large—in meaningful ways.

References

• Merton, R.K., & Nisbet R.A. (1961). Contemporary Social Problems: An Introduction to the Sociology of Deviant Behavior and Social Disorganization.
• Durkheim E., (1897). Le Suicide: Study of Sociology.
• Kennedy-Hendricks A., Barry C.L., Gollust S.E., et al., (2016). Social Stigma Toward Persons With Prescription Opioid Use Disorder: Associations With Public Support for Punitive And Public Health–Oriented Policies.
• Peele S., Brodsky A., & Arnold M., (1991). The Truth About Addiction and Recovery: The Life Process Program For Outgrowing Destructive Habits.
• Leshner A.I., (1997). Addiction Is A Brain Disease And It Matters.