Deviant Behavior: An Outdated Idea?

Deviant behavior. Should it be stigmatized by society? Are shared norms truly the foundation of a stable society, as asserted by the early sociologists? For the good of the continuation of social order, should behaviors that violate the natural law and deviate from shared norms have negative sanctions?

Or on the other hand, should the concept of “deviance” be relegated to the dustheap of outdated ideas, along with the concept shared moral values? Is deviance just another artificial social construct created by the powerful in order to oppress the weak?

These questions will be on tap Wednesday, April 16, during Sociology Day at Cal State Fullerton, where deviant behavior will be the focus of the day's presentations in the Titan Student Union.

Leading off the discussion at the 9:30 a.m. session will be the author of a new book called The Politics of Deviance. The author, Anne Hendershott, is a professor of sociology at the University of San Diego.

According to one reviewer, Johannes Jacobse, “Occasionally a book is published that examines the dogmas of the dominant culture with such clarity that the gatekeepers can only regard it as subversive. Anne Hendershott's The Politics of Deviance is such a book.”

Hendershott looks at such social issues as the medicalization of sin. She looks at how the experts have recast alcohol and drug addiction as an illness. She also examines the North American Man-Boy Love Association and their attempt to use pseudo-scientific studies to justify their abuse of children, to cast themselves as a valid alternative lifestyle.

She asserts that what is considered deviant behavior is no longer determined by rational, reasoned thought about what is best for society, but rather by emotional appeals and political lobbies.

Joining Hendershott on the panel will be political scientist and political philosopher Elizabeth Eastman, who has previously taught at Cal State Fullerton and other universities.

Other sessions to be held as part of Sociology Day include: Eloise Anderson, former director of social services for the state of California, who will be discussing “Defining Deviance Down” at 1 p.m.; Ken Masugi, director of the Center for Local Government at the Claremont Institute, who will be discussing “The Laws of Nature and of Nature's God” at 3 p.m.; and a 7 p.m. panel discussion on “Pedophiles: Deviants or Just Another Sexual Orientation?” This panel will include M. K. Gustinella, psychologist for the Family Law Court of Orange County; Brenda Martinez, an adult survivor of child sexual abuse, and detective Dan Scott of the Family Crimes Bureau for Los Angeles County.