The purpose of this assignment is have students examine the sociology of deviance. For this assignment, students will apply three sociological theories to the study of deviant behavior:
(1) labeling theory,
(2) conflict theory, and
(3) Merton’s strain theory.
Task:
Write a story about someone who engages in primary deviance and then becomes a secondary deviant. Make sure your story teaches the reader about the concepts of primary and secondary deviance and how one becomes a secondary deviant.
How would conflict theory explain the secondary deviance committed by the character in your story? What are the key propositions of conflict theory and how do they impact the character’s chances of becoming deviant? How may conflict theory explain the character’s chances of being convicted of a crime?
How would Merton Strain Theory explain the secondary deviance committed by the character in your story? What are the key propositions of strain theory and how do they impact the character’s chances of becoming deviant? What do you think are one or two weakness of strain theory?
Expectations and Criteria for Success:
Your essay should be approximately 500 words
The essay should follow instructions
The essay uses correct, standard English grammar and mechanics, and is free of typos as well as punctuation, capitalization, and word choice errors
The essay incorporates multiple, accurate references to online and text content as support for thesis/claims/argument. Parenthetical references at the end of the sentence using said material is sufficient. They essay should use accurately one style of citations (MLA, ASA, or APA).
The essay demonstrates superior, academic knowledge of the topic under study, and is free from general statements, fluff, and summary
The language is clear and concise with logical flow
The essay is submitted prior to the due date/time
Please refer to the Lesson 5 Writing Assignment Rubric (LO1) for more specific criteria to attain maximum essay score.
Here is an example essay Sample Essay for SOCI 1101
