Essentialism, and by extension positivism, is concerned with applying the scientific method to the study of social phenomenon. Sociologists use a positivist approach to understand the nature and extent of deviance, and to try to explain “Why did they do it?” Conversely, the constructionist approach to deviance is concerned with how behavior comes to be constructed as “deviant,” and the social consequences of these definitions.
Whether we use a positivist or constructionist approach, much of our work in the area of deviance involves one or more theories.
- In general, what role does theory have in the study of deviance from a positivist perspective? What role does theory have in the study of deviance from a constructionist perspective? In other words, what value does a theory or theories have in studying and explaining deviance?
- Select one of the forms of deviance listed below (or use your own example)
- Carjacking
- Prostitution
- Mental illness
- Obesity
- Substance abuse
- Body modification (e.g. tattooing, piercing, etc.)
Next, select one of the theories from either Chapter 2 (positivist) or Chapter 3 (constructionist) and discuss how that theory might help us understand and explain that form of deviance. Please be aware that not all of the theories will be equally useful in explaining each form of deviance; some may work better than others!
Post an initial 200 word response by Thursday, 11:59 p.m.,PST. Post two responses to other students’ postings by Sunday, 11:59 p.m.,PST
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