Durkheim Four Principles of Deviance in Looking

Durkheim Four Principles of Deviance

In looking at the four functions of deviance in the context of examples. Namely rock and roll music and marijuana smoking, etc. In the 1950s and 1960s compared to today.

The first function according to Durkheim is that deviance gives affirmation to validate the values and cultural norms that guide behavior in society (Macionis, 2006).

In America a guiding principle of society has always been morality. Since the country was founded on a primary belief in Godly ("In God we Trust") principles of right and wrong. Along with the freedoms that comes with allowing people of all religions to determine their own destinies. With this freedom comes the realization that there will be differences in opinion about behavior and the type of attitudes that accompany a moral premise. If there is a virtue of what is 'acceptable' or good in society there has to be a departure from that behavior with what is 'unacceptable', bad. In the case of deviant behavior this 'unacceptable' form of conduct is a necessary function to give credibility to 'acceptable' behavior and to define morality. Emile Durkheim remarked that deviance is not an abnormal circumstance, but simply a necessary part of culture (Macionis, 2006).

Using Rock and Roll music as an example, it was outlawed and considered 'unacceptable' in the 1950s. The music was considered 'unacceptable' and 'bad' by cultural standards and therefore an immoral activity.

2. The second function of deviance is the clarification of 'acceptable' moral boundaries (Macionis, 2006). As mentioned if some behaviors are considered deviant such as listening to Rock n Roll music. Those that listened and danced to Rock n Roll music were needed punishment or discipline. For example Adults frowned and imposed punishment on youths that listened to the music and in many states the music was banned from being played on the radio (Digital Dream Door, 2005). There were actual court proceedings and laws in place to stop the music from being played (Digital Dream Door, 2005). In 1955 the percentage of rock and roll listeners was around 15% though many artists were beginning to experiment with the music, it was considered 'bad' or 'immoral' (Digital Dream Door, 2005). There were radio stations that were willing to blackball or refuse to play certain Rock n Roll artists in support of what was deemed the mainstream standards, swing, big band, or good music that was acceptable to play instead. Rock n Roll music mainly appealed to the young and allowed them to express themselves pushing the rules of parents to the limits. This of course was not looked on with favor by the adults. However, more and more artists begin to explore Rock n Roll, make records and perform. From Bo Diddley, and Jerry Lee Lewis to Chuck Berry, and Elvis the music grew in popularity until it captured the hearts of the majority of Americans (Digital Dream Door, 2005). Due to its popularity the culture eventually changed. Rock and Roll became acceptable by 47% as early as 1959 and has know grown immensely as one of the top forms of American music earning Billions of dollars annually today (Digital Dream Door, 2005).

3. When there is deviant activity it will cause those of similar values and morals to band together (Macionis, 2006). In the case of Rock n Roll, teenagers and young adults secretly found ways to purchase and listen to the music they loved. The response from older adults was outrage and further measures to inflict censorship and control over the youth. The adults enlisted the support of the local and state lawmakers against playing Rock n Roll. According to Durkheim this was an attempt to strengthen the moral principles that united the older adults against the youth.

4. Durkheim explains as the fourth function that deviance will eventually encourage changes in society (Macionis, 2006). As those desiring the 'unacceptable' or deviant behavior continue to join together and voice their opinion and continue to fight for what they want, sometimes they gain the majority of support and can change social acceptance. Durkheim said that "yesterdays deviance could become tomorrow's morality" (Henslin, 1996). Which is absolutely true of Rock n Roll widely accepted, played, enjoyed and danced to globally today.