Assignment 4

DEVIANT BEHAVIOR ARTICLE:

1. Differential Associate Theory determines which norms people will violate. Edwin Sutherland argued that environment plays a major role in some peoples decisions. This theory fits the article: Being female and less deviant. The theory describes it very well because the major issue that's being researched is the direct and indirect effects of gender on alcohol and tobacco use.

2. The Being female and less deviant article relates to my everyday life in a couple ways. First, it explains how people are more likely to use drugs and alcohol if they have gone though/ are going through a tough time in life. This relates to my everyday life because any of the people around me could be involved with this, even the people I least expect. The research done to back up the statement also relates to my everyday life. They said several studies have shown that social bonding (control theory) inhibit deviant behavior. Some of the bonding factors include; religiosity, attachment to family commitment to job and education. These factors effect the choices I make every day, along with many other people I'm sure.

3. The differential associate theory relates to my first example of everyday life in a simplistic way. People can't always deal with everything they have to. Some don't even know how to deal with their problems. This is when drugs and alcohol come into the picture. When used, they make people forget about all the bad things, for a short while. This proves the people's environment effects the way they handle their problems. The research done to back up their statement also backed up the control theory. People typically will rethink choices they need to make or have already made in different perspectives. Have you ever asked yourself what would my mother say if she saw me doing this? Or will I get a bad grade if i don't do this homework assignment? These questions prove the control theory in my second example of how deviance affects everyday life.