Research Question: You have been assigned the task of understanding how deviance is defined in a given social context or setting and how its relevant behaviors, traits, and identity markers are controlled therein. You must first identify a setting and select a type of deviance (NOT illegal activity) to observe. In it, you will determine how deviance is defined and how the behavior, traits, and identity markers of those engaging in it are controlled by others. Next, you will use this information to explain how and why deviance shapes a particular type or types of conforming interaction in that setting. You must complete the following steps, but you can and are encouraged to add other components or to improvise as your efforts demands. Your written paper will address Steps 2-4. It must also include a bibliography for the sources you cite. Your papers are due by 5pm, August 13, 2015, on Sakai (MS Word or Adobe Acrobat files only).
Step 1: You must conduct at least two hours of observation in a live setting where you suspect a type of deviant behavior is taking place. You are advised to pick a setting for the exclusive purpose of this assignment and should NOT select one that you have already attended or would have for purposes other than the assignment. Also, you are forbidden to attend any setting where illegal activity is taking place. This is NOT an assignment to participate in or observe any illegal activity.
Step 2. Describe your setting and the deviant behavior you are focusing on, but Do NOT identify the setting, location or people in it by name anywhere in the assignment!!!! Create pseudonyms if necessary. Step 2 includes documenting the logistics of the observation: time, location, length, issues you encountered. Take notes during the observation (on a little flip-pad or on your phone) and make them part of your paper.
Step 3: Explain what you have learned with respect to how deviance is defined and how it is controlled by others in this setting. Define normal behaviors in this setting, especially those that relate to the deviance on which you are focusing. How did the deviance you observed impact normal interaction? Describe and use examples. Make appropriate links to your class readings and lectures in order to support your claims about defining deviance and social control. This section asks you to invoke theoretical ideas about the deviance and social control.
Step 4: Offer some of your own insights on this assignment. Tell me about your own interaction in the setting (be introspective). Make some personal reflections about the challenges of this task.