Abstract
The paper looks at the question of whether or not external labeling - be it formal labeling in the form of state sanctions against the individual or informal labeling in the form of peers, parents and teachers making assumptions about a young person's character - produces (or aggravates) deviant behavior. To answer this question, a review of the literature is clearly in order. More importantly, the bulk of this paper revolves around a study this author conducted a short while ago on delinquent youth which sought to illuminate the role of labeling (and especially different types or forms of labeling) in propelling these young people towards deviant behavior. When the results are tabulated, what should become evident is that labeling plays a key role in sparking negative self-conceptions and these self-conceptions, in turn, prompt deviant behavior.

From the Paper
"The following paper will look at the question of whether or not external labeling - be it formal labeling in the form of state sanctions against the individual or informal labeling in the form of peers, parents and teachers making assumptions about a young person's character - produces (or aggravates) deviant behavior. To answer this question, a review of the literature is clearly in order. More importantly, the bulk of this paper will revolve around a study this author conducted a short while ago on delinquent youth which sought to illuminate the role of labeling (and especially different types or forms of labeling) in propelling these young..."

Tags:deviant, behavior, labeling

Abstract
This paper discusses the ways in which the media lends itself to promoting copycat crime and deviant behavior.

From the Paper
"Today's media is vastly more influential than the media of years ago. Not only does news reach the public much more quickly than in the past, it does so with an immediacy and a visual impact that makes it seem that the events being reported on are occurring right in the viewers' living rooms. With huge high-definition TV screens adding to the effect in viewers' homes, the media has departed from its long-held charter to use discernment about what aspects of..."

Tags:deviant, copycat behavior, copycat crime, criminal, crime, media, news, distortion, glorification of criminal, technology

Abstract
The paper discusses how in our society, the interpretation of what is criminal is left up to the justice system, as the laws in place determine what is defined as criminal. The paper then looks at how deviant behavior may or may not be criminal in nature. Nonetheless, the paper shows how the temporal relationship to both behaviors cannot be denied.

From the Paper
"In our society, the interpretation of what is criminal is left up to the justice system, as the laws in place determine what is defined as criminal. Deviant behavior, however, may or may not be criminal in nature. Nonetheless, the temporal relationship to both behaviors cannot be denied."

Tags:deviant, criminal, behavior

Abstract
This paper analyzes a 1999 journal article that shows that preteens and teens of addicted parents have a high rate of substance and alcohol use and other deviant behaviors.

From the Paper
"In "Early Deviance and Related Risk Factors in the Children of Narcotic Addicts", Nurco, Blatchley, Hanlon and O'Grady report the results of a meta-analysis on the self-reported behaviors of male and female adolescents ages of narcotic-addicted parents participating in methadone programs. The results of the self-report measures found that early deviance is related to current adolescent drug and alcohol use, association with deviant peers, a negative view of self and psychological symptomatology. There are a number of risks and protective..."

Tags:preteens, teenagers, addicted parents, deviance, deviant behavior, alcohol and substance abuse, protective and at-risk factors, crime

Abstract
This paper presents a review of an article on deviant teenagers. The article addresses adolescents' attitudes toward delinquent behaviors and the issue of punishments. Based on this article, the paper expands to a discussion about juvenile delinquency theories and types of behaviors that are considered delinquent.

From the Paper
"Kalat defines the term deviancy as meaning psycho-emotional behavior that is markedly different from the norm. One example of deviancy in adolescent populations has long been juvenile delinquency. The purpose of this paper is to ..."

Tags:deviant, teens, delinquency

Abstract
This paper discusses and analyzes the occurrence of deviant behavior in the context of life on the street. The paper contends that street life is predominated by people who live in poor inner-city neighborhoods. The paper reviews Elijah Anderson's book, "Code of the Street," that studies this very phenomenon. Applying the basic concepts associated in the study of the sociology of deviant behavior, the paper argues that Anderson's analysis of street life in "Code of the Street" puts into context the labeling theory of deviant behavior, wherein people's attitudes and behavior are associated with the labels that other people give them as deviants in society. The paper discusses this issue extensively, providing references to both Schaefer and Anderson's discussions on deviant behavior.

From the Paper
"Despite the establishment of these social norms and rules, there are still individuals who do not conform, or "deviate," from the established norms and rules in the society. Schaefer (1998) identifies deviance as a "behavior that violates the standards of conduct and or expectations of a group or society" (160). Directly linked with the study of deviant behavior is the concept of social control, which regulates human behavior within society. Thus, deviance may include some form of social control in order to inculcate in society that deviant behavior are undesirable for the society. Social control may be formal or informal, wherein the former imposes a legal procedure, such as imprisonment, or simply, by making the individual an "outsider," isolated from his/her society and not welcomed to interact with other people."

Tags:social, control, norms

Abstract
This paper describes several theories of deviant behavior, and then apply them to famous actress Winona Ryder's shoplifting binges. According to the paper, there are many theories regarding deviant behavior and why individuals choose to behave the way they do. These include Merton's anomie/strain theory and Hirschi's social control theory that presume to identify the background, motivation, and reason many choose to behave in a deviant manner.

From the Paper
"There are many theories regarding deviant behavior and why individuals choose to behave the way they do. Merton's anomie/strain theory and Hirschi's social control theory are two of these that presume to identify the background, motivation, and reason many choose to behave in a deviant manner. In 2001, Winona Ryder was caught shoplifting, which many in the media and public found shocking. Her behavior, however, may be explained using both Merton's and Hirschi's theories."

Tags:anomie, strain, theory

Abstract
This paper provides an overview of deviant behavior. The paper defines it generally as being any form of behavior that violates accepted social norms and laws. It examines both the roots of this behavior and the causes for its continuation. The paper argues that this understanding is essential to learning how to best stop deviant behavior. It concludes that successfully stopping deviant behavior through an understanding of its roots and causes is an important part of the law enforcement agent's job.

From the Paper
"Deviant behavior plays numerous roles and functions, depending on the individual or group and the deviant behavior being taken. For example, deviant behavior often defines or affirms a particular culture's values or norms or clarifies the moral boundaries of a group. Deviant behavior can also be utilized to promote social unity by creating us/them dichotomies and encouraging social change. More so, deviant behavior has also led to the creation of numerous jobs aimed exclusively at controlling deviant behavior, most notably law enforcement agents. Often time, deviant behavior serves no further purpose than being an assertion of personal individuality and identity, often taking the form of a rebellion against an established norm. (Barron: 2007)."

Tags:deviance, gang, violence

Abstract
This paper begins with a brief look at the history of punk music and its formation as a subculture. It then addresses individual aspects of punk subculture and offers explanations as to why these characteristics may be considered 'deviant', as opposed to 'normal'. It addresses the norms, values and revolutionary nature of punk culture in light of the strain theory of deviance and the appearance, style and behaviour of punks from a labelling perspective of deviance. Through this analysis, the paper examines why punk subculture has generated a consistent social reaction for the last three decades that has led to its classification as a 'deviant' subculture.

Table of Contents:
History of Punk Music
Strain Theory
Labelling Theory
Labelling Theory and Punk Style

From the Paper
"The labelling theory proposes that no act is inherently deviant. In applying this premise to punk fashion, it can be argued that punk fashion itself was not deviant. However, as has been explored by Becker, it is argued that things become deviant only when it is labelled as such. Whilst punk may pride itself on its values of free will and autonomy from the status quo, many theorists argue that the punk subculture could not possibly exist without the status quo (Traber 2001, p. 33). This is because if there were no status quo, there would be no one to label punk subculture as 'deviant'. Whilst the punk style was revolutionary when it first appeared, even as early as the 1980s punk style had filtered into the mainstream. Black clothes, leather, and the signature Doc Marten shoes all became integrated into the mainstream fashion (Cox 1994, p. 10). This is a clear example of the ability held by some to label and define others as deviant. When punk clothing and fashion first emerged it was generally at large classed as deviant. However, the filtering of punk fashion into mainstream culture put a whole new interpretation to punk style. This example illustrates the power of the dominant culture to change labels to suit its own needs, and as such determine what is classed as 'normal' and 'deviant'."

Tags:subculture, music, genre, fashion

Abstract
This paper covers the definition of deviance and explains why teenage pregnancy is considered a deviant behavior, as well as the consequences of such labeling. It shows how, today, most Americans believe teenage pregnancy is deviant or goes against societal norms and describes how this norm is changing. It also discusses the way that Americans view teenage sexuality differs considerably from other countries, such as France, Germany, and Holland, and how in these three countries, early sexuality is much more acceptable. Finally, it provides some suggestions of what can be done to improve the teenage pregnancy situation.

From the Paper
"Sociologists Earl Rubington and Martin S. Weinberg note that the definition of deviance differs as much as what can be deviant and approach the topic in an alternate way. They see two main schools of thought: deviance as objective reality and deviance as subjective experience. Those who adhere to the objective approach stress the importance of norms and values of any given society at the structural level, with any differentiation from these considered deviant. This perspective is based on three assumptions: 1) there is consensus throughout society concerning norms and values and thus deviance is easily recognized; 2) deviance generally evokes negative sanctions against and attitudes toward the deviants and their actions; and 3) the punishment of the deviant reaffirms for the group that they are bound by common norms and values."

Tags:stigmatism, stereotyping, discrimination, labels