1.) Sociologically speaking, can deviance exist without norms? Why?

Norms and deviance always depend on the culture in which they exist. To study norms and deviance, one

must contextualize the action, or consider the action in light of all of the circumstances surrounding it.
Deviance, in a sociological context, describes actions or behaviors that violate informal social norms or
formally-enacted rules. Among those who study social norms and their relation to deviance are
sociologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and criminologists, all of whom investigate how norms change
and are enforced over time. Deviance is often divided into two types of activities. The first, crime, is the
violation of formally enacted laws and is referred to as formal deviance. Examples of formal deviance
include robbery, theft, rape, murder, and assault. The second type of deviant behavior involves violations
of informal social norms (norms that have not been codified into law) and is referred to as informal
deviance. Examples of informal deviance include picking one’s nose, belching loudly, or standing
unnecessarily close to another person.

2.) What are the three major sociological explanations presented for deviant behavior? Briefly
discuss these theories by citing examples prevailing in our society.

These theories can be grouped according to the three major sociological paradigms: functionalism,
symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory. Sociologists who follow the functionalist approach are
concerned with the way the different elements of a society contribute to the whole. They view deviance as
a key component of a functioning society. Strain theory, social disorganization theory, and cultural
deviance theory represent three functionalist perspectives on deviance in society. Then, symbolic
interactionism is a theoretical approach that can be used to explain how societies and/or social groups
come to view behaviors as deviant or conventional. Labeling theory, differential association, social
disorganization theory, and control theory fall within the realm of symbolic interactionism. Lastly,
Conflict theory looks to social and economic factors as the causes of crime and deviance. Unlike
functionalists, conflict theorists don’t see these factors as positive functions of society. They see them as
evidence of inequality in the system. They also challenge social disorganization theory and control theory
and argue that both ignore racial and socioeconomic issues and oversimplify social trends Conflict
theorists also look for answers to the correlation of gender and race with wealth and crime.

3.) Why do people turn to drugs? What can parents do to prevent drug abuse? 

People use drugs for many reasons: they want to feel good, stop feeling bad, they are so stress from work
or perform better in school or at work, or they are curious because others are doing it and they want to fit
in. The last reason is very common among teens. In general, there are three primary causes of drug use.
Within these main causes, there stems a myriad of reasons as to why people start to use drugs. Certain
people may face several different factors, which are each, on their own, a reason to use drugs. But these
reasons are all the result of some sort of emotional, psychological, or physical categorization of the causes
for drug use. Drugs, including tobacco and alcohol, are easily available to children and adolescents. Our
parents have a major impact on our decision’s not to use drugs.

Most likely, children in grade school have not begun to use alcohol, tobacco, or any other kind of drug.
That is why grade school is a good time to start talking about the dangers of drug use. Prepare your child
for a time when drugs may be offered.
Drug abuse prevention starts with parents learning how to talk with their children about difficult topics.
Then, the programs offered by school, sports, and other groups can support what you have started.