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Social Deviance in a Society -India Contents Introduction to Social Deviance How Social Deviance Exists Sociological theories Psychological theories Biological Theories Social Deviance as an Advantage Causes for Social Deviance Psycho-social Theory (research) Social deviance in India Case study 1 Delhi Rape Case (Nirbhaya) Conclusion References Introduction To Social Deviance Social deviance, is the breaking of from the social norms. Just like one says abnormal behaviour which is considered ‘ away from the normal ‘ . The same lies in the case of social deviance. All around the world, we come across different people, different ethnicities , different religions, cultures , traditions. There is a different unique environment that every human being is born to. Various communities mark not one type of stereotyping but a multitude of others. Traditions of one community may seem absurd to another, on the same lines it could be equally horrifying as well. Within these cultural systems many lives are cast away. Human rights offered to people are limited to an extend that it may not apply in case of violation of a traditions. Most often ‘to each his own’a preference to allow people the right to go about his/her own plans is acceptable. These social deviant practices lurk around each corner of a modernized world. Man claims to have progressed from the beginning of time.We have set standards for ourselves and allowed ourselves to believe in faiths. We close our eyes to the screams of those who are victims to this so called modern world of traditions. We run from the deep seated outrageous acts that are carried out in the names of folklore, culture and traditions. Having learnt that ‘criminal' which refers to an act of behaviour that is far from acceptable in the eyes of law. We can understand that social deviance in linked with the idea of a criminal act. In social deviance we come across actions of a person who is unable to conform to the norms of the society. The only social deviance that is well known all around the world is murder. To murder is to be ‘criminal’ a ‘social deviant’. Edwin Lemert came forward with the different way of labelling a person deviant. He says there is the Primary Deviance wherein the person commits a deviant act that is not accepted by his/her community. This behaviour or action implement by the person in concern, is the social deviance. While the second type of deviance label can be achieved when the person for the second time commits the social deviance away from normal action. He/she assumes that this is the way of life and that the action is acceptable. With the variations within a society due to modernity there is still the urge to make more modifications in the ways of life. Social Deviance however is not only subjected to the societies norms but also norms that have been introduced by a cultural, traditional perspective. How Social Deviance Exists Social deviance is within a society an expected way of behaviour. Like the saying goes, there is no right without the wrong, no justice without the crime. Having said so, one can conclude that social deviance is the wrong that defines the right. Why Social Deviance is a part of our society is understood under two broad theories apart from the Biological namely, a) Sociological Theories b) Psychological Theories c) Biological Theories A) SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES (i)Merton’s Structural Strain Theory Within a society there are certain ways of getting by life. These ways are attributed by the social structure that is present in that particular space. To achieve certain goals one must be presented by the means to do so. In this scenario, there is a strain in the society when goals are not met. In the Structural Strain Theory a well incorporated society there is balance which is achieved as goals are met by the means available. Certain social structures have higher rates of social deviance due to the incapability in its structure to provide the means to attain. It is within these social structures that social deviance is at its highest. For example: INDIA In a developing country like India, there is yet a balance to be found. The strain theory is appropriately explainable within this context. India has a population that is increasing every minute. The new generation is a buzz of young people being introduced to the rat race of life. There are a hundreds of students searching for jobs in Technology, Commerce and Science Sectors. With the steady influx of younger more qualified people, the average shelf life of a individual is reduced to 30 years. Keeping this in mind, we must view money as a goal, while employment is a means. Having said so, we all are well aware that one of the major problems in India is unemployment. With unemployment a rising concern, money to survive remains difficult to attain. The Strain Theory is applicable in this context. With no employment, people are forced into finding other means to achieve their goals. Even if these means are socially unacceptable or involve deviant acts like Theft etc. (ii) Social Control Theory By Travis Hirschi The social control theory suggests in society there is a form of attachment and need of others approval. Most conformists conform to the social rules that are set by society. For them the world’s perception of them is very important. At times they would have an urge to commit a deviant act but the need to find approval by people around them holds them back. The Social Control Theory thus forms a basis to understand how the person holds back from being deviant. Their need to social deviance is threatened by the fear of society’s perception of them. Hence, the need for social deviance is reserved and unacted upon. (iii)Theory of Differential Association –Edwin Sutherland Edwin Sutherland brought forward the Theory of Differential Association. This theory states that every individual is exposed to deviant behaviour of others around them at some point of time. The intensity and duration of this exposure is very important. According to theory if a person is exposed to a high intensity and longer duration of deviant behaviour, they seem to value the deviant act. This scenario most often manifests itself in the relation between peers and youngsters. For Example; A child who is brought up without literacy, would easily find himself surrounded by peers that could be involved in some deviant activity like theft or drugs. Most often watching his/her peers commit such deviant acts and not be apprehended encourages them to join the group. They imagine that committing the crime and escaping. It gives them a satisfaction that the adrenaline rush provides. Thus, one may conclude that the need for social deviance can be cultivated when the individual is subjected to a deviant environment. B) Psychological Theories Most of the Psychological Theories are based on certain fundamental hypotheses that are similar in nature. Some of these hypotheses are that The individual who is deviant is completely responsible for his/her actions The individuals personality plays an important role The lack of appropriate learning, conditioning and roles models lead to deviant behaviour. Keeping the above in mind , the Psychological Theories are as follows : (i)Psychoanalytic Theory This theory was put forward by Sigmund Freud who stated that every individual within him/her unconscious state has a tendency to take part in deviant acts. However, there is a social barrier that that prevents the individual from being deviant. If the individual has a history of negative or no social life then he/she will have a personality flaw. This flaw will lead to antisocial impulses that could be directed within or outward. The antisocial impulses that are projected outward would lead them to commit a deviant crime. Hence the need to commit to social deviance lies within us and can be curbed through appropriate social system in our childhood. (ii)Cognitive Development Theory – Lawrence Kohlberg Lawrence Kohlberg is a developmental psychologist. He came forward with a theory that explains the reasons behind the need for Social Deviance. This theory was based on stages of moral reasoning. The theory came to be known as Cognitive Development Theory. There are three levels which are as follows; First stage/PreconventionalLevel : This stage is based on the moral reasoning that is effected by the outcome it receives. This means that moral reasoning is only done in order to avoid punishment and adhere to obedience. Ex: A child always fears punishment and does not commit any action twice once punished. Second Stage/Conventional Level: At this stage the child becomes aware of the people around him/her. This could be his family or immediate acquaintances. They begin to behave in a way that appeals to these people. They do not adhere to any actions that may lead to disapproval from the family. Ex: A child will think twice about deliberately breaking items when in the presence of his/her elders. Third Stage/PostconventionalLevel : This level happens during early adulthood, when the individual begins to understand the social system around him/her. They begin to become influx with the system. However if the individual fails to go through these stages of moral reasoning there will be deviance. The individual will not be consciously aware of their actions and have absolutely no worries while committing deviant acts. (iii) Learning Theory Based on Behavioural Psychology, the learning theory is based on the processes of learning of behaviour itself. When a individual is exposed to a crime or deviant behaviour which is goes unnoticed, they will learn this behaviour. To them this behaviour, is awarded even though it is wrong. Particular aspects of this theory can be seen a movie called ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’. In this movie the lead role is based on a man, who robs a painting only to see if he gets caught or not. In such cases, If the person is not caught they will continue to indulge in the deviant action until apprehended. C)Biological Theories Theory of Biological Deviance – Cesare Lombroso Theory of Biological Theory was brought about by Cesare Lombroso. He stated that there are some genetic characteristics that all criminals have inherited. According to this, Lombroso went forward to tell us that criminals are born criminals. There is a certain genetic characteristics that is inherited and nothing can be done to change a criminal. He believed that there are some born animalistic urges within each person which cannot be changed or conditioned. Lombroso’s research was influenced by Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. The skeletons he studied had to some extend low foreheads with protruding jaws. However this theory was questioned by Pearson. Pearson refuted the Biological Theory as according to Pearson, Lombroso had not research enough skeletons to conclude his theory. Pearson went forward with Charles Goring to research more into the theory. They researched on other skeletons and came to the conclusion that Lombroso Theory that there were skeleton characteristics was not valid as the new research found no relevance of skeleton structures in their studies. The above are the Sociological, Psychologicaland Biological Theories that explain how Social Deviance exists in our society. Social Deviance – As an Advantage Social Deviance happens to have its advantages as well. In some cases a deviant actions may be deviant to only one part of a society or culture. While another part of society may find these acts to be perfectly appropriate. For example Sati System1in India is a perfect example. In ancient India all widows were expected to throw themselves into their husbands funeral pyre. By doing so they were known as ‘pure/chaste’. If any women deferred from this social practice they would be forcefully thrown into the pyre or even buried alive. It was a social system that considered the deviant act as normal an accepted form of behaviour. It was not until the British Government intervened that this practise was seen for what it was socially deviant. In this context we notice how one deviant action can lead us to learn to draw the line as to what is socially unacceptable and what is acceptable and bearable. The same case can be seen in Uganda where there is a practise to have women circumcised in order to married. In Uganda Female Genital Mutilation is not crime but a rite. Women who aren’t circumcised are not allowed to visit the same wells as other women, they are not allowed to enter the family granary etc. Even though the pain is excruciating women force the rite on to their daughters as a form of custom or rite without questioning the same. Police Child Care & Family Protection Unit are working to help the women in Uganda, while a petition has been submitted to the Parliament as well. All these practices within a society form a standard to enable social 1 Sati System : Derived from the word Sati which is the feminine sat of true and stands for Chasity. change for the better. They are the wrong which helps to define the right with more clarity. Social Deviance to some extend helps people to come forward to a more modern outlook. What decades ago seemed outrageous and scandalous, now seems to be accepted. India is known for its mystical ways. The cultures, traditions, practices and rites are very mystical from other nations. Everything in India is based on a belief, on widely spread superstitions. There was a time when clothing for women in India was limited to the Saree2. However, we now are a witness to more and more women wearing different types of clothing other than the traditional outfit. This change was accepted when women began to stop limiting their outlook when it came to clothing. If the same was done earlier back would have been socially unacceptable. In this case this previously socially unacceptable behaviour began to be violated often and it lead to acceptance. According to the above stated scenarios where social deviance lead to social change. We can conclude that in some cases social deviance need not been seen as disruptive behaviour. It can be used to change the tables and a lead to a modern world which has eradicated horrible acts that exists under the name of rituals. The true social deviance lies when the society is harmed or put to a threat. Not when a individual does not carry out unrealistic terrible practices to appease their individual societies. 2 Saree- A 7 meter long cloth which is a traditional outfit worn with a blouse. CAUSES FOR SOCIAL DEVIANCE Psycho-social Theory A new research theory Pearson refuted biological theories that Lombroso put forward. Charles Goring and Pearson researched that bone structures had nothing to do with deviant behaviour. The remaining theories were based on the sociological and psychological perspective. Having understood the theories that explain what leads a person to be socially deviant. It is quite necessary in order to understand the causes of social deviance, to look at not one but both the psycho-socio perspectives of the same. It is a mixture of both these aspects that demonstrate the reasons behind social deviance. There are certain points that we need to understand in order to combine the same. • Need for attachment- In a society one grows up to social setting. However if during an individual’s stages of development he/she fails to form a social bond or attachment, then it will lead to social distancing and in some cases social deviance Need for acceptance – The need to be accepted by the world around us leads to conforming to the social structures. If however a person isn’t affected by the need to be accepted by the world. Then he/she will indulge in any activity without reconsideration. This most often is the case of individuals who are introverts or non-conformists. Distinguishable Ability : Within us there is a need to go against the norms of society. This is a deep seated urge that lives within our unconscious mind as mentioned by Sigmund Freud. In these cases, the ability to differentiate between what is morally wrong or right is very important. If a individual lacks distinguishable ability there is more chances of social deviance. Note all the above points leads to one assumption. Need to supress, need to acceptance and distinguishable ability is all based on mental processes. If an individual has inappropriate abnormal behaviour based on dysfunctional cognitive processes or personality deficiencies, then he/she will lack the distinguishable ability and desire to fulfil the needs of acceptance and suppression. Need for actualization: Every human has a carnal need to reach self-actualization. When basic needs are not reached an individual tries to fulfil these basic needs. Just like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs mentions these basic needs, there is Merton’s Strain Theory that states that when an individual is unable to reach goals through appropriate means then the individual will use ‘other’ means to achieve the same. Bird’s of Feather Flock Together: When an individual is surrounded by others committing devious actions. They begin to watch and learn. It is said that the more the exposure to such environments the more chances of the individual becoming socially deviant. In this case, He/she will learn that if not caught and apprehended then they will benefit from the crime itself. Thus, in order to understand the causes or reasons behind social deviance we must take in the sociological and psychological aspects of social deviance. This study is directed towards combining both the theories to formulate a psychosocio theory that explains social deviance. Social Deviance in India Social Deviance in India is not popular among various other issues spoken of. Any behaviour that is out of social norms is deemed as either criminal or apprehended by family members themselves. There is hardly a countable amount of people who rely on social theories and psychology to understand the roots of social deviance. When a crime is committed in India it is brought to the police and further to the courts. The judgement is based on the just the crime. There is not much talk about the nature, history or factors leading up to the crime. The suspect or the guilty has no profiling done. There have been many cases where a deeper rooted understanding of the communal tensions should been explored however, this lack of understanding further lead to more mishaps. In many cases the political system itself has been ineffective and very unresponsive. People have constantly mocked the government, in almost every other Bollywood cinema we find dialogs that poke and mock at the government and its corruption. So much so, the fact about the government seeming corrupt has already formed in the minds every individual. Though socially unacceptable actions have been enacted, society itself remains unshaken. It seems as though there is a acceptance of violence and turmoil. Social Deviance in India has therefore not yet been accepted. Understanding social deviance, its effects and theories can enable India to counter attack this disruptive form of behaviour. Case Study Delhi Gang Rape Case, India Note : The following case study is based on the above research using the psycho-social theory to interpret social deviance. The Delhi rape case sent shock waves throughout India. It was not only assault by a brutal murder which was a result of rape. The incident happened in South Delhi. It was the 16th of December, a woman and her friend was returning from a movie at the local theatre. As it was quite late into the night, there wasn’t many public transport services available. The woman and her friend got on board a off duty charter bus. Within the bus there were a total of 6 people in the bus. The men in the bus were a gym instructor , fruit seller , an unemployed man and a seventeen year old juvenile. The 6th person was the bus driver, they had all been previously drinking and had taken the bus on a joyride. An argument broke out inside the bus , when the woman’s friend realised that the bus route was changed. The other men in the bus, began to taunt the couple. The woman’s friend tried to intervene and stop the snide comments, when he was beaten up and gagged. The woman was then dragged to the back of the bus where she was gang raped and assaulted by all the men in the bus including the driver. The woman was then thrown out of the moving bus along with her friend. The medical reports said that the women suffered severe damage to her genitals and her abdomen. Doctors suggested that the miscreants used a rod like sharp blade for insertion. Later on, this blade was identified as the wheel jack handle. The woman after fighting for her life, passed away in Singapore where she was transferred for medical treatment. The convicts were caught and death sentence was issued by the Court of India. The 17 year old juvenile was sent to prison and escaped the death sentence. The Case Study in terms of Theories based on Rape Over ages there has a been a misconception based on rape, stating that rape is a power game or carried out to satisfy sexual urges. However, according to Mitani;1985 as well as Wrangham and Peterson 1996 : Rape is not a game of power. Rape is most often carried out by what is come to be called as the ‘Subset of Males’. 3The subset of males is the small morphs according to Mitani, Wrangham and Peterson, this male subset is most unlikely to find females willing to mate and hence rape the females. Thus, the disadvantaged male (subset men) doesn’t easily get women to surrender to his needs, driving him to claim it instead of securing copulation. There are however the other men who possessed the urge to commit rape as it arouses them sexually. The force implicated on the women along with the brutality of the action enables them to gain sexual satisfaction. These men have a history to rape and are sometimes caught only the second or third time they commit this type of socially deviant act. 3 Subset male : This male is based on the male orangutans. Studies classify male orangutans in two morphs, the large morphs and small morphs. Psycho-social Theory Delhi Rape Case Convicts The following are the convicts involved in the socially deviant criminal action- Rape. Ram Singh – Bus driver of the bus Mukesh Singh – Brother of the bus driver (residing in the Ravidas Camp, a slum in South Delhi). Vinay Sharma – Assistant Gym Instructor Pawan Gupta – A Fruit Seller A seven year old juvenile Akshay Thakur – Unemployment. We notice that the above miscreants were from socially backward classes. They were mostly illiterate men come to the city in search of some occupation. Police reports said that the group had just met on the night of the crime. As per the Psycho-social Theory : Need for attachment: All the 6 men hailed from socially backward class of society. Most often in this scenario there is no social bond that is formed which would hinder a man to commit a socially deviant act. The men had a chance to think over, enough time to re-route the bus and taunt the couple. It seems that they had no moral reasoning which clashed with their choice to commit the Rape. Need for acceptance: There is a need in every individual to be accepted by the people around them. These men either thought that their act would go unnoticed or they had no reason to believe in being accepted by the society. In bus at that point of time, rapping that women was accepted between them. They lacked this need to be accepted by society. Distinguishable Ability : The men in the bus, all of them were unable to reason between right and wrong. If even one of them had the ability to distinguish between right or wrong, maybe the victim would have survived. As mentioned above, all of the above points lead to one assumption. Need to supress, need to acceptance and distinguishable ability is all based on mental processes. If an individual has inappropriate abnormal behaviour based on dysfunctional cognitive processes or personality deficiencies, then he/she will lack the distinguishable ability and desire to fulfil the needs of acceptance and suppression. However no test was conducted on the suspects during investigation to understand these processes. Need for actualisation : The need to fulfil basic desires without the means to do so, will lead to a individual finding different means. Most often this ‘other means’ are socially deviant. The convicts may have not been able to have a sexual life. Hence the helpless women in the bus, was their way of finding their means to their desire/goal. Birds of a feather flock together: The environment and intensity and duration of the socially deviant act that one is exposed to enables them to follow the same path. The seventeen year old juvenile, found himself in the midst of rapist who were the closest to peers. He not only aided but also committed the rape. Conclusion Social deviance is understood as any behaviour which is socially unacceptable. This research paper includes understanding social deviance theories (covering psychological, sociological and biological). It also includes a personal research interlinking the psychological and sociological theories to better understand social deviance. This new theory explains social deviance which is spurred by not one but both the theories. In order to further apply this theory, there is an enclosed case study. The case study is based on the Delhi Gang Rape Case in India. The best remedy for social deviance is to act upon imbalances in society as well as individual upbringing. The cure to which can be formulated by developing society and enabling social standards to improve. Informal deviance can take a back seat until formal deviance is better understood and curbed. Social deviance has been a part of our society for ages. In some countries it continues to go unheard of, in others social deviance is just talked about and nothing else. While in India social deviance remains to be just another theoretical term, there is an increase in social deviance. India’s courts ensure that there is punishment to social deviance and criminal activities. However, reoffending cannot be prevented by just strict action and ample number of fast track courts. There has to be a better understanding of the motives behind social deviance. References Books and Researches Hellen Aylek – Uganda Police Force Article Merton’s Anomie Theory (Crime and Anomie, 1938) Mitani, J.C (1985) Mating Behaviour of male orang-utans, Animal Behaviour. Stephen R. Gold’s: Sex, power, Conflict: Evolutionary and Feminist Perspectives. Press release New York, 1996. William F. Mckibbin, Todd K. Shackelford, Aaron T.Goetz and Valerie G. Starratt .( Florida Atlantic University Research) Websites www.wikipedia.com