Social Norms and Deviance Essay

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Deviance

In the field of sociology, deviance is defined as the lack of conformity to social norms, which vary from one culture to another. Given the variations in social norms from one culture to another, a deviance act can be committed in one society, but may be considered normal in another. Cultures and subcultures have different social norms even when these cultures exist within a single country. An example of an unfamiliar culture to me is the culture of Korowai tribe in Indonesian New Guinea. Some of the customs I consider deviant in this culture is the practice of cannibalism and consideration of outsiders as “ghost-demons.” Korowai people are among the last people on earth who eat their fellow tribesmen (Raffaele, 2006). Moreover, this people do not embrace foreigners and threaten to kill those who enter their territory since they view outsiders as “ghost-demons.”

Korowai people are likely to consider homosexuality and tattooing, which are practiced in my culture, as deviant. They believe in marriage and sexual relations between people of opposite sexes and consider homosexuality as a taboo.

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Moreover, to these people, tattooing is considered as an act that violates social norms and is unacceptable.

The media has played a significant role in my understanding and opinions regarding what is deviant or not deviant. Through the media, I have learned the social norms and cultural practices of different groups of people in the United States and across the globe. During this process, I have gained understanding of what is socially acceptable in different cultures. Apart from helping me understand social norms across different cultures, the media has shaped my views of what is deviant or not based on what it portrays. In most cases, the media portrays different stories and issues based on the society’s social norms or acceptable customs, which in turn shapes views on what is deviant or not.

Reference

Raffaele, P. (2006, September). Sleeping with Cannibals. Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved May 16, 2018, from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/sleeping-with-cannibals-128958913/

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