Intro to Sociology

Assignment : Detached Observation of Deviant Behavior

Task:

For this assignment, situate yourself in a public area where other people (whom you may or may not know) are present. You are to be a passive observer, sit/stand in this public place and remain removed from the action (e.g. you cannot go to a party and drink and watch others). Take time to internalize the setting in which you have placed yourself before becoming an observer.

Identify a few aspects of your environment, such as: where you are, how would you describe the population of people around you, and what types of activities are going on around you.

After locating individuals (or groups) you think are engaged in deviance, watch for things like- how they are acting, are they interacting with anyone, and the nature of their deviance, has anyone reacted to their behavior, and has anyone sanctioned them for their behavior?

Parameters:

1) The paper must be typed and a paper copy must be turned in (I will not accept electronically submitted papers).

2) The paper should be a minimum of 3 pages double-spaced in Times Roman 12 font.

3) Answer the question by using your "voice" as the means for the streams of consciousness to flow fro the reservoir of your knowledge. In other words, free think and let the streams of conscience come forth from the unconscious!

Questions:

1) Briefly describe the situation (where you are, what time is it, it there anyone with you). Further, describe why you chose this particular setting to view deviant behavior. What was it about the setting that made you think deviance may occur there. Describe the subjective(s)- how many there are, gender, approximate age, distinctive dress, tats, etc.

2) Describe the type(s) if behavior that you have observed to be deviant. How would you define this? behavior based upon the 4 distinct definitions if deviance that we discussed in class?

3) What type(s) of deviance would you characterize the behavior that you have observed according to our class discussion of the 6 types of deviance. Explain why the behavior in question fits into the category(ies) you have identified.

4) Did the participant(s) receive any form of sanctioning? If so, what was the sanction and how did it effect the behavior? Regardless of whether or not a sanction was provided, does the behavior in question require formal or informal sanctioning (in your opinion)? Why or why not?