Question

Durkheim argues that deviance is important to society. What functions does he believe deviance gives society? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?

Answer 1

I agree with him, in a way that deviance creates norms that eventually informs the members of a particular society of what behaviors are acceptable or unacceptable.

Durkheim mentioned four factors, as to where he grounded the importance of deviance in the society.

First, deviance affirms cultural values and norms. Second, it also clarifies moral boundaries. Third, it promotes social unity by creating an us/them dichotomy, encourages social change, and provides jobs to control deviance. Certain factors of personality are theoretically and empirically related to workplace deviance, such as work environment, and individual differences. Lastly, it can be assertions of individuality and identity.