HBSE
SOCIAL DEVIATION
AND
SOCIAL WORK
Prepared by: Cyrille Jude Broce Lapiceros, RSW
PERSONALITY THEORIES
SOCIAL DEVIATION
HUMAN
BEHAVIOR
AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
SOCIAL
ENVIRONMENT SOCIAL CHANGE
SOCIAL REALITIES
Social Work Key Concept:
SOCIAL
FUNCTIONING
SOCIAL DEVIATION AND SOCIAL WORK
WHAT IS DEVIANCE?
Deviance is a violation of
established cultural, contextual, or
social norm, weather folkways,
mores, or codified law (William
Graham Sumner).
ESSENTIAL IDEAS TO CONSIDER IN DEVIANCE:
• An act can be criminal and deviant.
• An act can be deviant but not criminal.
• Behavior or conditions that harm
other.
• Something offends God or is a
violation of certain religious principles
that makes it deviant.
• It deviates from the criminal code.
Two Fruitful Definition of Deviance
1. Normative Deviance
2. Reactive Deviance
1. Normative Definition of Deviance
Can take place in secret, an act
or condition that nobody knows
about except the violator.
2. Reactive Definition of Deviance
Found in actual, concrete
instances of an adverse reaction
to behavior.
PERSPECTIVES AND THEORIES OF DEVIANCE
I. BIOLOGICAL THORIES OF CRIME (BIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES)
Theories that point to physical, Physiological and other
natural factors as the causes for the commission of
crimes of certain individuals.
II. SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES
These theories offer different lenses through which to
understand the complexities of deviant behavior in
society.
BIOLOGICAL THEORIES OF CRIME
A. PHYSIOGNOMY
It is the study of facial features and their relation to human
behavior.
B. PHRENOLOGY, CRANIOLOGY OR CRANIOSCOPY
It is the study of the external formation of the skull in relation
to the person’s personality and tendencies toward criminal
behavior.
C. SOMATOTYPE
Is the science of classifying human physical characteristics
A. PHYSIOGNOMY
• Greek – Physis which means
“nature” and Gnomon which
means “to judge or to interpret”
• The supposed art of judging one’s
character based on facial
characteristics. “Considered as
Racist belief”
• Pseudo-science
• Father of Physiognomy and an Italian Scholar.
• He was instrumental in spreading ideas about
character and appearance in Europe.
• His widely disseminated book on the subject,
DE HUMANA PHYSIOGNOMIA, was
instrumental in spreading physiognomy
throughout Europe.
• According to him, criminal behavior may be
predicted based on facial features of a person.
• He implied that people who look like particular
Giambattista Dela Porta animals have those creatures’ traits
• German-Swiss and a protestant Pastor
• He supported the belief of Dela Porta
• In the second half of the 18th century, Johann
Caspar Lavater became the NEW KING OF
PHYSIOGNOMY.
• Best-selling book, ESSAYS ON PHYSIOGNOMY,
which included a detailed reading of the face
broken down into major pieces, including the
eyes, brows, mouth, and nose.
Johann Caspar Lavater
Key facial features and their associated traits according to Lavater:
Forehead: The shape and size of the forehead were thought to
indicate intelligence and mental capacity. A broad forehead
was associated with a strong intellect, while a narrow
forehead suggested a lack of mental acuity.
Eyes: Lavater paid special attention to the eyes, believing they
were windows to the soul. The size, shape, and expression of
the eyes were used to infer emotions and personality traits.
For example, bright, clear eyes were seen as a sign of honesty
and vitality, while dull or shifty eyes were associated with
deceit and lack of energy.
Key facial features and their associated traits according to Lavater:
Nose: The nose was considered an indicator of temperament. A
straight, well-proportioned nose was thought to signify a
balanced and calm personality, while a crooked or large
nose might suggest a more aggressive or impulsive nature.
Mouth: The mouth and its expressions were closely linked to
emotions and character. A wide mouth was seen as a sign
of generosity and openness, while a small mouth might
indicate a more reserved or secretive nature.
Key facial features and their associated traits according to Lavater:
Cheeks: The fullness and color of the cheeks were believed to
reflect health and vitality. Rosy, full cheeks were associated
with a lively and energetic personality, while pale or
sunken cheeks might suggest ill health or a lack of
enthusiasm.
Chin: The shape of the chin was thought to reveal
determination and willpower. A strong, prominent chin
was seen as a sign of resolve and strength, while a weak or
receding chin might indicate indecision or lack of
confidence.
B. PHRENOLOGY
• Craniology or Cranioscopy
• Greek – Phren which means “mind” and
Logos which means “knowledge’
• It is the study of the external formation of
the skull in relation to the person’s
personality and tendencies toward criminal
behavior.
• A belief that and individual’s character and
mental faculties correlate with the shape of
their head.
• Father of Phrenology
• German Anatomist and Physiologist
• Believed that the brain is the source of
all personality, including deviant
personality and believed that mind is
responsible for controlling the human
conduct.
Franz Joseph Gall
• Gall believed that the bumps and uneven geography of the
human skull were caused by the pressure from the brain
and underneath
• Gall divided the brain into sections that corresponded to
certain behaviors and thraits that he called fundamental
faculties.
• This is referred to as localization of function.
• Gall believed there were 27 fundamental faculties, among
them were, recollection of people, mechanical ability,
talent for poetry, love of property, and even murder
instinct.
• German Physician and student of Gall
• He declared that there were 35 functional
organs/faculties in the brain
• Spurzheim who appears to have first
popularized the word “Phrenology”
meaning “the study of the mind.”
• People are not innately bad.
• He eliminates faculties that were inherently
evil, such as the faculty of murder and
carnivorous.
Johann Spurzheim
C. SOMATOTYPES
• Greek – Soma which means “body”
and Type which means “kind” or
“form”
• “Somatotype” essentially refers to
the classification of body types.
• They attempted to explain juvenile
delinquency by examining the
relationship between body type or
physique and patterns of mental
and behavioral characteristics or
temperaments.
• American psychologist and
physician
• best known for developing the
theory of somatotypes
• he developed his system of
categorizing human bodies into
endomorphs, mesomorphs, and
ectomorphs.
William Herbert Sheldon
Endomorphs
Physical Characteristics
•Body Shape: Rounded and soft with a
wider waist and hips.
•Body Fat: Higher body fat percentage,
particularly around the midsection and
thighs.
•Bone Structure: Larger bone structure,
with broader shoulders and a solid frame.
•Metabolism: Generally slower
metabolism, which can make weight loss
more challenging.
Endomorphs
Endomorph Personality Traits
1.Sociable: Endomorphs are often described as outgoing and
enjoying social interactions. They tend to be friendly and
approachable.
2.Relaxed: They are seen as relaxed and easy-going, often
handling stress in a calm manner.
3.Comfort-Seeking: They may have a preference for comfort
and indulgence, enjoying good food and leisure activities.
4.Affectionate: Endomorphs are typically warm and
affectionate, valuing close relationships with family and
friends.
5.Good-Natured: They often have a pleasant and cheerful
disposition, contributing to a positive and amiable demeanor.
6.Generous: Endomorphs might be seen as generous and
willing to help others, often displaying kindness and empathy.
Ectomorphs
Physical Characteristics
•Body Shape: Slim and lean with a narrow frame.
•Muscle Mass: Generally have less muscle mass and
find it harder to gain muscle.
•Body Fat: Low body fat percentage, often giving
them a more defined and angular appearance.
•Bone Structure: Small joints and thin bones,
contributing to a delicate or fragile look.
•Height: Tend to be taller and have a longer limb
length.
•Metabolism: Fast metabolism, which can make it
difficult to gain weight, whether it's muscle or fat.
Ectomorphs
Ectomorph Personality Traits
1.Introverted: Ectomorphs are often described as reserved and
introspective. They may prefer solitary activities and smaller social
gatherings over large, noisy crowds.
2.Intellectual: They are thought to be thoughtful and analytical, with
a strong interest in intellectual pursuits and creative endeavors.
3.Emotionally Sensitive: Ectomorphs may be more emotionally
sensitive and reactive, experiencing feelings deeply.
4.Self-Conscious: They might exhibit higher levels of self-awareness
and sometimes self-consciousness, paying keen attention to their
surroundings and how they fit into them.
5.Artistic: Ectomorphs are often associated with creativity and artistic
expression, enjoying activities like writing, painting, or music.
6.Quiet: They tend to be more quiet and restrained in social settings,
often preferring to listen rather than to lead conversations.
Mesomorphs
Physical Characteristics
•Body Shape: Naturally athletic and muscular build with a
rectangular-shaped body.
•Muscle Mass: High muscle mass and well-defined muscles,
often appearing strong and fit even without extensive training.
•Body Fat: Moderate body fat percentage, generally lower than
endomorphs but higher than ectomorphs.
•Bone Structure: Larger bones and thicker joints, contributing
to a solid and sturdy frame.
•Shoulders and Chest: Broad shoulders and a well-developed
chest, often wider than the hips, creating a V-shaped torso.
•Metabolism: Efficient metabolism that allows them to gain
muscle and lose fat relatively easily.
Mesomorphs
Mesomorph Personality Traits
1.Assertive: Mesomorphs are often seen as confident and
assertive. They are usually comfortable taking charge and leading
others.
2.Energetic: They tend to have high energy levels and are often
active and enthusiastic, enjoying physical activities and challenges.
3.Adventurous: Mesomorphs might be more inclined to seek out
new experiences and take risks, displaying a bold and adventurous
spirit.
4.Competitive: They often have a competitive nature, striving to
excel in sports, work, and other endeavors.
5.Courageous: Mesomorphs are typically seen as brave and willing
to face challenges head-on, showing resilience and determination.
6.Decisive: They are often quick to make decisions and take
action, trusting their instincts and abilities.
SOCIOLOGICAL
THEORIES
What is the function of deviance in our society?
1. Clarification of Social Norms and Policies
2. Social Cohesion
3. Social Change
4. Innovation
5. Provision of Jobs
6. Boundary Maintenance
7. Identification of Social Issues
STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM THEORY
• Proposes that deviance is a necessary part of
a successful society; its functional aspect it
challenges people’s present views.
• “When deviance is punished, it gives the idea
that norms are indeed present in society.”
• Popularized the term “Anomie” “rules of
Emile
behavior (values, customs, and norms) have
Durkheim broken down or become inoperative during
periods of rapid social change or social crises”
Examples of Anomie:
1. Economic Recession
During a severe economic recession, such as the Great Depression of the
1930s, many people may lose their jobs and face financial instability. This disruption can
lead to a breakdown in societal norms related to work, success, and stability. As a result,
individuals may feel disconnected and unsure of their place in society, leading to
anomie.
2. Rapid Social Change
In rapidly changing societies, such as those experiencing technological
advancements or significant cultural shifts, established norms and values can become
obsolete. For instance, the rise of the internet and digital communication has transformed
social interactions, leading to new norms that older generations may find difficult to
adapt to. This generational gap can create feelings of anomie.
Examples of Anomie:
3. Urbanization
The rapid growth of cities and urbanization can lead to a sense of anomie among
individuals. As people move from rural areas to urban centers, they may find themselves
in environments where traditional social ties and community structures are weakened.
The impersonal nature of urban life can contribute to feelings of isolation and
normlessness.
4. Political Upheaval
Periods of political instability, such as during revolutions or significant
governmental changes, can lead to a breakdown in societal norms. For example, the fall of
the Soviet Union in the early 1990s resulted in significant political and social upheaval.
Citizens who were used to the stability of the former regime faced uncertainty and
confusion, leading to a sense of anomie.
Examples of Anomie:
5. Cultural Shifts
Significant cultural shifts, such as changes in societal attitudes toward
gender roles or marriage, can lead to anomie. For example, the increasing
acceptance of diverse family structures and gender identities may challenge
traditional norms. While these changes can be positive, they can also create
feelings of uncertainty for those who are accustomed to more traditional
values
STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM THEORY
Deviance serves two primary roles in creating social stability:
• It tells members of society by laying out patterns
of acceptable and unacceptable behavior by Creates formal
recognizing the punishments for deviant acts. social control
• The boundaries between populations are created
by social parameters, which enable an “us-
versus-them” mentality to the varied groups in
society. Creates informal
social control
ANOMIE-STRAIN THEORY
This theory attributes deviance to anomie, the breakdown
of social norms that results from society’s urging people to
be ambitious but failing to provide them with legitimate
opportunities to succeed.
The strain which is the lack of opportunities or
institutionalized means to achieve cultural goals caused
people to become deviant.
Robert Merton Merton believed that Americans were socialized into
believing in the American Dream. People are encouraged to
believe in the cultural goal which is success and material
wealth. However, equal access to those goals did not exist:
there was a strain between the socially encouraged goals of
society and the socially acceptable means to achieve them.
GOAL : SUCCESS
Legitimate Means Illegitimate Means
Education Violence and Coercion
Employment Juvenile Delinquency
Entrepreneurship Cheating
Hard Work Theft and Robbery
Legal Practices Drug Trafficking and Illegal Trade
Corruptions
Other Crimes
In response to the strain, individual made various adaptation:
CONFORMITY
INNOVATION
RITUALISM
RETREATISM
REBELLION
CONFORMITY
Is the most popular form of response. It
involves accepting both the cultural goal of
success and the use of the legitimate means
of working toward that goal. Presumably,
most of us choose this response.
Example of Conformity
Lia follows the institutional means which
is to study hard to attain the cultural
goals set by the society which is to get
rich.
INNOVATION
Is largely found among lower class
people, who reject the use of legal
means in favor of illegal ones in their
attempts to achieve the high-success
goal that they learned to accept.
Example of Innovation
Mico Lang refuses the idea that
becoming rich should be attained
through education and hard work and
decides to become a robber to become
rich.
RITUALISM
Is common among lower-middle-class people who lower
their aspirations or abandon high success goals so that they
can more easily realize their aspirations. But in their attempts
to realize these modest aspirations, they compulsively –
hence, ritualistically abide by the institutional norm of
toiling as conscientious, loyal workers. They tend to be proud
of their hard, honest work while shrugging off their modest
incomes.
Example of Ritualism
Juan decided to settle for her job with
modest income and has no interest in
pursuing the dream of becoming rich.
RETREATISM
Is a withdrawal from society into the shell
of one’s self. The retreatist does not care
about success, nor does he or she care to
work.
Example of Retreatism
Such us people who are psychotics,
outcasts, vagrants, alcoholics, and drug
addicts.
REBELLION
Involves rejecting the prevailing social
expectation that we work hard in the so-called
rat race to reach the goal of great success. The
rebel also attempts to overthrow the existing
system and put in its place a new one with new
goals and new means of reaching those goals.
Example of Rebellion
New People’s Army (NPA)
Junjun is dissatisfied with his country's economic
situation but is not interested in politics. Despite
this, he believes that voting is important. he votes
for the same political party every election year,
despite the fact that they are not focused on
creating new jobs.
Junjun is dissatisfied with his country's economic
situation but is not interested in politics. Despite
this, he believes that voting is important. he votes
for the same political party every election year,
despite the fact that they are not focused on
creating new jobs.
Junjun is dissatisfied with his country's economic
situation but is not interested in politics. Despite
this, he believes that voting is important. he votes
for the same political party every election year,
despite the fact that they are not focused on
creating new jobs.
RITUALISM
Dingdong is a family man with a wife and four kids at home. He is
hard worker and is at the middle-management level at his local
marketing firm. Dingdong is not preoccupied with wealth the same
way his co-workers are. He knows that it is unlikely that he will
ever become rich, and that's okay. He believes that money isn't
everything and that his fortune is his family. Nonetheless,
Dingdong continues to work hard and climb the corporate ladder.
Dingdong is a family man with a wife and four kids at home. He is
hard worker and is at the middle-management level at his local
marketing firm. Dingdong is not preoccupied with wealth the
same way his co-workers are. He knows that it is unlikely that he
will ever become rich, and that's okay. He believes that money
isn't everything and that his fortune is his family. Nonetheless,
Dingdong continues to work hard and climb the corporate ladder.
Dingdong is a family man with a wife and four kids at home. He is
hard worker and is at the middle-management level at his local
marketing firm. Dingdong is not preoccupied with wealth the
same way his co-workers are. He knows that it is unlikely that he
will ever become rich, and that's okay. He believes that money
isn't everything and that his fortune is his family. Nonetheless,
Dingdong continues to work hard and climb the corporate ladder.
CONFORMITY
Evan is a senior in college studying psychology. He hopes to help mentally
unstable people someday. On his way to class, he notices that a crowd has
gathered in the quad. As he gets closer to the group, he can hear Preacher Bob
talking about some conspiracy theory. Evan can't help but chuckle. Preacher
Bob is one of the well-known homeless guys who hangs around campus. A lot of
people think he is annoying, and some students claim that he is on drugs. Evan
thinks he is intriguing. He met him one night while waiting for the bus. Turns
out Preacher Bob wanted to be a lawyer at one point, before he realized he
didn't want to be part of 'the system,' as he says. He dropped out of school
and disassociated himself from his family soon after that. He now lives on the
streets, actively denouncing the American Dream and lecturing on the
dangers of chasing it to anyone who will listen.
Evan is a senior in college studying psychology. He hopes to help mentally
unstable people someday. On his way to class, he notices that a crowd has
gathered in the quad. As he gets closer to the group, he can hear Preacher Bob
talking about some conspiracy theory. Evan can't help but chuckle. Preacher
Bob is one of the well-known homeless guys who hangs around campus. A lot of
people think he is annoying, and some students claim that he is on drugs. Evan
thinks he is intriguing. He met him one night while waiting for the bus. Turns
out Preacher Bob wanted to be a lawyer at one point, before he realized he
didn't want to be part of 'the system,' as he says. He dropped out of school
and disassociated himself from his family soon after that. He now lives on the
streets, actively denouncing the American Dream and lecturing on the
dangers of chasing it to anyone who will listen.
RETREATISM
Chris grew up in a poor, crime-ridden neighborhood. He strived to
do well in elementary school, motivated by his dream to live in a
wealthy neighborhood with a big house and fancy car. After
academic struggles and personal hardship throughout elementary
school, Chris slowly gave up the idea that he would ever do well in
school and be wealthy. Because of frustration, he joins anti-
government movement expressing his new goal to change the
status quo.
Chris grew up in a poor, crime-ridden neighborhood. He strived to
do well in elementary school, motivated by his dream to live in a
wealthy neighborhood with a big house and fancy car. After
academic struggles and personal hardship throughout elementary
school, Chris slowly gave up the idea that he would ever do well in
school and be wealthy. Because of frustration, he joins anti-
government movement expressing his new goal to change the
status quo.
REBELLION
Sarah is a grade 12 graduate and an incoming first-year college
student. She cannot gain acceptance into her desired college due to
their family’s lack of financial resources. Her father is a farmer and
earns Php 10,000 every 3 months during harvest while her mother is
a housewife. In order to pursue her dream, she turns to illicit ways of
raising money to attend her dream school and cheating on
examinations to falsify the grades for scholarships or entrance.
Sarah is a grade 12 graduate and an incoming first-year college
student. She cannot gain acceptance into her desired college due to
their family’s lack of financial resources. Her father is a farmer and
earns Php 10,000 every 3 months during harvest while her mother is
a housewife. In order to pursue her dream, she turns to illicit ways of
raising money to attend her dream school and cheating on
examinations to falsify the grades for scholarships or entrance.
Sarah is a grade 12 graduate and an incoming first-year college
student. She cannot gain acceptance into her desired college due to
their family’s lack of financial resources. Her father is a farmer and
earns Php 10,000 every 3 months during harvest while her mother is
a housewife. In order to pursue her dream, she turns to illicit ways of
raising money to attend her dream school and cheating on
examinations to falsify the grades for scholarships or entrance.
INNOVATION
Pressured with the expectation of her parents
wanting her to be an academic achiever, Feliz always
attend to her scheduled classes, listen to the
discussion of her teacher and actively participated in
the class. Feliz graduated with lots of academic
achievements.
Pressured with the expectation of her parents
wanting her to be an academic achiever, Feliz
always attend to her scheduled classes, listen to the
discussion of her teacher and actively participated
in the class. Feliz graduated with lots of academic
achievements.
CONFORMITY
Theories inspired by Robert Merton’s Strain Theory:
Cohen: Status Frustration
SUBCULTURAL
THEORY Cloward and Ohlin: Differential
Illegitimate Opportunity
SUBCULTURE
The groups that have different values from
the primary culture. − The pull of the peer
group that encourages individuals to commit
a crime
SUBCULTURAL THEORY SUBCULTURAL THEORY 2
Proponent: Albert Cohen Proponent: Cloward & Ohlin
“working-class subcultures emerge “illegitimate opportunity structure’
because they are denied status in affects what type of subculture
society” emerges in response to status
frustration”
Explanation: Many boys react to Explanation: It expands the
status frustration by rejecting explanation of Cohen by suggesting
socially acceptable values and classifications depending to the
patterns of acceptable behavior, status frustration.
because several boys are going
through the same experiences, so
they end up banding together and
The status the we
want to reach.
Higher Status
Upper Middle Status
Middle Status
The status the we
want to avoid or
break.
Lower Middle Status
Lower Status
STATUS FRUSTRATION + ILLIGETIMATE OPPORTUNITY = DEVIATION
Differential Illegitimate Opportunity
Criminal Subculture Conflict Subculture Retreatist Subculture
Organized crime Gangs organized Those who are
where career by young people unable to access
criminals attract themselves, claim either legitimate
youths into their territories from or illegitimate
business that other gangs. opportunity
might result in structures might
success. drop out
altogether but
might do so as a
