Social Deviance : American Public University System
Written Assignment One: My Deviance
In WA1, you will use the concepts from our class to help you to understand and explain your own deviant behavior. Construct a 3 page paper that fully explores each of the four question areas:
1. What deviant behavior have I committed? Describe this behavior and how it impacts your life. DO NOT conduct a norm-breaking experiment! Draw upon experiences from your past that allow you to consider your relationship to norms and deviance.
IMPORTANT: You will refrain from explaining anything that I would have to report to the authorities! Think of minor deviant acts such as speeding, wearing different clothing or holding alternative points of view.
2. How would a positivist explain my deviant behavior? Explain the questions a positivist would ask. Then, answer those questions as they would pertain to understanding you and your personal behavior. This is not a general analysis; remember that you are applying all concepts/theories toward understanding your deviance.
3. How would a social constructionist explain my deviant behavior? Explain the questions a constructionist would ask. Then, answer those questions as they would pertain to understanding the social norms relating to your specific behavior. Again, this is not a general analysis; remember that you are applying all concepts/theories toward understanding your deviance.
4. What other concepts or theories from our textbook help me to understand this behavior as deviant behavior? Use at least two concepts or theories from our textbook to help you to explain your behavior and/or reactions to your behavior. Remember this is not a general analysis of others' deviance; how can these concepts help you to understand your own deviance?
APA Citation/References: Don't forget to include proper APA-style in-text citation and a reference for our textbook; see our syllabus for the correct reference. All concepts/theories will be from our textbook. No other resources are required for this assignment, but APA citations/references are required for all resources used.
Sociology is a powerful tool for understanding ourselves! Enjoy the process of understanding your own deviance and how it relates to our study of deviance this term.