Sociology of Deviant Behavior Violence, Term Paper

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In this example, it becomes evident that Anderson's underlying theory in conducting his analysis is the labeling theory. A product of the symbolic interactionist paradigm, labeling theory posits that "a response to an act and not the behavior that determines deviance...(it) is the recognition that some people or groups have the power to define labels and apply them to others" (Schaefer, 1998:165). From this definition, Anderson's categorization of street people corresponds to the people's behavior and actions as they live a life of poverty. For the "criminal elements" of the society, deviance is a form of legitimacy for them to conduct more deviant acts, and thus, the continuous conduct of deviant actions reinforces the label "criminal element(s)." Similarly, there exist labels that determine people who lead double identities of being able to assimilate to both the normative and deviant groups. By resorting to "decent ways" of living, Anderson considers some street people as non-deviants; however there also times when the community proves to be more influential than the individual, thus, s/he adapts deviant behavior or "indecent ways" of living.

Anderson elucidates on these important points on labeling theory by stating in his discussion of street life as follows: "...labels are used by residents of inner-city communities to characterize themselves and one another.

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..Most residents are decent or are trying to be. The same family is likely to have members who are strongly oriented toward decency and civility... A person may behave according to either set of rules, depending on the situation" (36). On a more general level, it is also noticeable that the author clearly distinguishes between people susceptible and not susceptible to street life -- that is, the "winners," who live a comfortable life, and the "losers," people who live in poverty (37). From these categories, conflict theory also emerges, wherein poor people are being dominated and considered inferior compared to the "winners," or those who have experienced relative wealth, comfort, and social integration in life. Anderson's analysis is parallel with the argument of conflict theory of deviance, wherein "people with power protect their own interests and define deviance to suit their own needs... (social control) is often an attempt by the powerful to coerce others" (Schaefer, 1998:166). In effect, Anderson's analysis of street life and deviant behavior in this sector of the society provides two perspectives in understanding the dynamics of deviance in society -- that is, through the perspectives of conflict and labeling theories......

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