The Concept of Conflict Theory - Essay Example

Deviance as a Positive I. Introduction The majority rule is what is often considered as normal and agreeable. Whoever or whatever is not behavingaccording to norms therefore is considered abnormal or deviant, hence negative or not desirable. Experience however tells us that there is something that can be derived from being different or deviant especially so if it is society that is wanting of solutions from such deviance. Deviance is not necessarily negative as some authorities will tell us - if from such deviance lie solutions for the good of all. Man has benefited in many areas from the march of modernity but such has also reduced our well-being and performance in dramatic ways. For example, despite advances in medicine, diseases such as heart disease, strokes, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, cancer and obesity abound. Divorce, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and child abuse increase. In organizations, systems and people do not operate to their full potential. Bureaucratic constraints stifle creativity and competition blocks cooperation. Schools, businesses, and government agencies remain rigid despite rapid change around them. Some theory has to explain a better way with what we already have that could lead to social benefits. II. Theories: how deviance can benefit society A theory according to Goode (2005) directs our attention, defines problems, and suggests solutions. Donald Ratcliff (2005) describes three sociological theories that are predominant in modern sociology with criticisms provided by Kessel (2005). Conflict theory. This is said to be an outgrowth of Marxist economics emphasizing the inequalities and resulting disruption produced by class differences. Change in society accordingly is the result of conflict suddenly coming into place (Goode 2005). Weakness of this theory it that it provides little in terms of answers and solutions. It understates degree of cohesion and stability, has little micro-level analysis, and ignores competition (Kessel 2005). Functionalism. In this theory, society is as a system of interrelated parts generally stable. While conflicts may occur, the system tends to return to balance (Goode 2005). Change in society comes from gradual adjustment to difficulties and innovations with each part contributing a function (Ibid). The goal of citizens is to make social structures more functional, but they are more likely to be functional if they are responsible and God-fearing. Weaknesses of this theory, according to Kessel (2005) are that it has a conservative and idealistic view of society; it underplays power differences among and between groups, ignores conflict and diversity, and has bias toward balance or equilibrium. Also, society is seen as static. Symbolic interactionism. The theory emphasizes the person's understanding of events, and holds that social reality is a human construction (Goode 2005). As people interpret events verbally and non-verbally, they assign meaning to their situations and then react according to that interpretation (Ibid). According to Kessel (2005), this theory has weak analysis of inequality, ignores material differences between groups, ignores structure and social forces, is not synergistic, and limits itself to micro-level analysis with no connection to other levels. III. Positive Deviance: New Development Paradigm Meaning. Dodge (1885. In: West 2003) equates positive deviance to where deviation from normality brings about positive sanctions. A proposed typology however, from Heckertt et al. (2000) is that positive deviance refers to overconformity that is positively evaluated According to Stanier (2005) there are a number of reasons why positive deviants don't exist more often: 1) When there is a need to change the focus is on what's broken rather than trying to fix what's broken; 2) The power of strong social norms finds an individual usually finding comfort in remaining with herd opinion and action; and 3) We blame those that are different when things go wrong. Typology. Definitions mean a lot toward the correct understanding of concepts. But before this, the focus of the pool of available literature on a concept should be taken to task. Heckert et al. (2000), for example, underscore deviance literature as lacking comprehensive conceptions on deviance and dwelling much on negative deviance as though deviance could not also be positive. More than that, the current conceptions for example of positive deviance, the say, simply parallel definitions of negative deviance, namely normative and reactivist conceptions, showing no real appreciation of the concept of deviance as a positive (Ibid). Benefits to Society. A new development paradigm of 'positive deviance' is described by Jerry Sternin (2002) which he first used in Vietnam. In communities throughout the world, Sternin said, there are a few 'deviant' individuals whose uncommon behaviors or practices enable them to outperform or find better solutions to pervasive problems than their neighbors. Identifying these 'positive deviants' can reveal hidden resources already present in the environment, from which it is possible to devise solutions that are cost-effective, sustainable and internally 'owned and managed'. The success of this approach can be seen in both more effective, credible advocacy and higher rates of continuation compared to more traditional development efforts. The traditional model for social and organizational change doesn't work," says Sternin (2002). From him came the idea of "amplifying positive deviance" where it's not a transfer of knowledge but it involves looking for answers from the inside or changing behavior from within. This paradigm is now being applied everywhere in many aspects of society like adolescent reproductive health, breastfeeding, child care and nutrition, corporate business, education, empowerment, female general gutting/mutilation, general interest, newborn care, medical, and pregnancy and maternal nutrition (Bibliography, Positive Deviance 2005). IV. Conclusion Society has for centuries been plagued with many problems. With the advent of technology, societal problems have not abated but have multiplied. We are now faced with concerns of the global village kind - like terrorism, bird flu, SARS, tsunami, and now sudden changes in world climate. From these problems arise other problems like hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and the like. Solutions to problems are not bound by majority rule. The many theories that we keep from respectable times and resources may not work to the full. There are times that society is in need of a "hero" to come by for want of remedy to problems plaguing many. Some of the time, ideas that are out of this world and contrary to models of scholarship for example may be able to work. Some of the time, this involves things we take for granted. Deviance is not necessarily negative but can be a potent force. There is value in appreciating things that are not in common with the many, especially so when deviance serves as saving grace for the greater part of society. References Bibliography (by Subject). Positive Deviance. Retrieved October 31, 2005, from http://www.positivedeviance.org/materials/bib_subj.html. Dorsey, D. (2000, Dec). Positive Deviance. Issue 41. Fast Company. Retrieved October 31 2005, from http://www.fastcompany.com/online/41/sternin.html. Goode, W. J. Theories of Deviance. 2005. Text and Tables. Retrieved October 31, from 2005 Read More