How can the three sociological perspectives (e.g., social functionalism, social conflict, and symbolic interaction) be used to conceptually understand social deviance?

Hmmmm. My prejudice as an engineer is rearing its head.

..."conceptually understand social deviance ?"

I know many folks who conceptually understand relativity, however, when it gets to specifics, there is no understanding.

Good luck with this assignment.

I was an English and social studies teacher, but I agree with Bobpursley.

Let's take a look at the definition of conceptual.
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World English Dictionary
conceptual (kənˈsɛptjʊəl)

— adj
1. relating to or concerned with concepts; abstract
2. concerned with the definitions or relations of the concepts of some field of enquiry rather than with the facts

con'ceptually
— adv

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/conceptual
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Why would you want to understand social deviance abstractly, without facts?

One first has to define the society which you are analyzing...Every place has has multiple societies with multiple expectations. Then one would have to define the expectations of each of those societies. This question is too esoteric for even a sociologist of some repute to answer "FACTUALLY"

To conceptually understand social deviance using the three sociological perspectives (social functionalism, social conflict, and symbolic interaction), you can follow these steps:

1. Social Functionalism: According to the social functionalist perspective, society is a complex system made up of various interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability. When applying this perspective to social deviance, you can analyze how deviant behaviors serve certain functions within society. To understand social deviance from a functionalist standpoint, you can:

- Focus on the positive functions that deviance may serve in society. For instance, deviant behavior can act as a catalyst for social change by challenging existing norms and pushing for reform.
- Analyze the dysfunctions of deviance, such as how it can disrupt social order and create instability.
- Examine the ways in which society seeks to control and regulate deviant behavior through mechanisms like the criminal justice system or socialization processes.

2. Social Conflict: The social conflict perspective sees society as a battleground where different groups or classes compete for power and resources. When applying this perspective to social deviance, you can explore how deviance is shaped by power dynamics and social inequalities. To understand social deviance from a conflict perspective, you can:

- Investigate how social norms and definitions of deviance are constructed and maintained by dominant groups to control and marginalize certain social groups.
- Explore how power imbalances contribute to the labeling of certain behaviors or individuals as deviant.
- Examine how conflicts between groups or classes can lead to deviant behavior as a form of resistance against oppressive social structures.

3. Symbolic Interaction: The symbolic interactionist perspective focuses on the subjective meanings that individuals give to social situations and how these meanings shape their behavior. When applying this perspective to social deviance, you can examine how individuals interpret and create deviant identities. To understand social deviance from a symbolic interactionist standpoint, you can:

- Analyze how deviant individuals interpret and respond to social labels and stigmas attached to their behavior.
- Investigate the role of socialization and interaction in the construction of deviant identities.
- Explore how deviant subcultures or groups use symbols and meanings to create their own alternative norms and values.

By examining social deviance through these three sociological perspectives, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of how it is influenced by social structures, power dynamics, and individual interactions.