Deviant Behaviour
ISIS Recruits & Social Panic
Learning Goals
- Describe the key ideas of major social science theories related to deviance
- Summarize and interpret statistics related to social deviance, discrimination, and hate crimes
- Explain the relationship between social panic and crime and deviance and attention in the media
- Explain how deterring social deviance comes in conflict with your civil liberties
TASK 1 - What is Social Deviance?
What is Social Deviance?
TASK 2 - Deviance and Strain Theory
Deviance and Robert Merton's Social Strain Theory
Read from the beginning of the article to the mid-point of page 2 and STOP.
Discuss with your group:
- What is a subculture?
- How can deviant behaviour be both positive and negative behaviour?
- Describe Merton's typology system of classification.
Read the descriptions of the FIVE typologies. Discuss with your group:
- Which typology do you feel best suits your personality/behaviours?
- Which typology do you feel has a greatest positive contribution to society? Why?
- Which typology do you feel has a greatest negative contribution to society? Why?
TASK 3 - Deviance Theories
Deviance
Follow the link above to find an article about Deviance theories.
Read to the END of the Social Control section of the reading. Discuss with your group:
- What is the difference between internal and external social control?
- What is the difference between informal and formal sanctions?
Read the remaining sections of the reading. Discuss with your group:
- Briefly outline the four theories mentioned: Strain, Control, Differential Association Theory, and Labelling Theory.
- What is the conflict perspective on deviance?
Watch this video to better understand deviance!
Task 4 - The Mothers of ISIS
Watch - The Mothers of ISIS
- What signs of deviant behaviour did Lukas exhibit prior to being recruited by ISIS?
- Which deviance theories could be applied to the behaviour of Lukas?
- How does ISIS appeal to deviant individuals?
Task 5 - The Soul of a Jihadist
Prompt & Respond
Continue to the next prompt and repeat until you are finished reading the article.
TASK 6 - Share your thoughts!
Speak
How are ISIS recruits social deviants?
You group will contribute AT LEAST one minute per group member to the group podcast. You have 15 minutes to prepare - use the resource below (The Mothers of ISIS) to help guide your discussion.
Write
How has ISIS been successful in creating social panic?
Use specific examples from this reading (as well as any others you have found) to write a 250 word response to the question.