This project provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of theoretical perspectives of deviance and their application to social issues and problems
This project provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of theoretical perspectives of deviance and their application to social issues and problems. First, you must choose a form of deviance that interests you. This could be any topic we have been studying or will study or something else we are not covering that interests you. For example, topics might include: bulimia, hoarding, binge drinking, cutting, etc. Then, take two theories that interest you and compare and contrast them in terms of their application to the topic you have chosen.
You may choose theories from Chapters 3-11 of Adler and Adler’s text. You must fully and sensitively master, think through, and expand on the central concepts and questions of the two theories you have selected and stay grounded in our course readings, material I have posted on Blackboard, and class discussions. Draw on course material wherever possible in your project. This means you need to quote directly from readings in our text. It is more important that you draw more on our course material rather than rely on materials from other classes or from library or Internet research.
I trust that you will agree that we have plenty of rich material to work with right here. I am interested in how you demonstrate your own ability to think critically. Avoid using very long quotations and close paraphrasing of the readings. Some quoting from the readings is important though to support your points where applicable. I am most interested in how you discuss and interpret ideas in your own words and how you come to evaluate these theories in light of the topic you choose.
When citing any sources, please be consistent throughout. This paper must be two pages maximum. Late papers will not be accepted. Your paper must have page numbers, be double spaced and in 12 point Times font, in black ink, and with one inch margins. Be sure to put your full name on the file and on the actual paper.
The paper is worth 20% of your final course grade. I hope you enjoy doing this project and having a new way to think about theories set forth in the course.
Paper For Above instruction
The assignment requires selecting a form of deviance that interests you, such as bulimia, hoarding, binge drinking, or cutting, and then applying two sociological theories from Adler and Adler’s text (Chapters
3-11) to analyze the chosen topic. Your goal is to critically compare and contrast these theories, illustrating how they explain or interpret the deviant behavior. The focus should be on demonstrating a deep understanding of the theories, supported by quotes from the course readings, and on your analytical ability to evaluate how well each theory accounts for the chosen deviance.
This paper should be concise, limited to two pages, and adhere to specific formatting guidelines: double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, and page numbers included. Creativity and critical thinking are emphasized over lengthy quotations or superficial summaries. You should rely primarily on course materials, referencing them accurately and consistently, highlighting your comprehension and interpretation rather than summarizing external sources.
In constructing your analysis, start with an introduction that states your chosen deviant behavior and the two theories you will compare. Follow with a body section where you discuss each theory in relation to your topic, contrasting their perspectives, assumptions, and explanatory power. Conclude with a reflection on which theory offers more compelling insights or where each has limitations. Remember, the objective is to deepen your understanding of sociological perspectives on deviance and to demonstrate critical engagement with the material.
Ensure that your references include proper citations of the course textbook and any other course materials used. The assignment’s purpose is to foster critical thinking and a nuanced understanding of sociological theories related to deviance, emphasizing your analytical skills over mere description.
References
Adler, P., & Adler, P. (2020).
Looking at Deviance: A Text/Reader . Oxford University Press.
Becker, H. S. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance. Free Press.
Goode, E. (2011). Deviant Behavior. Routledge.
Lemert, E. M. (1951). Social Pathology. McGraw-Hill.
Sherman, L. W. (2010). The Social Ecology of Deviance. Routledge.
Thio, A. (2018). Deviant Behavior. Pearson.
Turner, J. H. (2001). The Sociology of Deviance: An Obituary. Harper & Row.
Braithwaite, J. (1989). Crime, Shame and Reintegration. Cambridge University Press.
Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of Delinquency. Transaction Publishers.
Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Simon & Schuster.