19th Century American Deviance Examples

Deviance Sociologists general defines deviance as “an action that is perceived as violating a society’s or groups cultural norm”. Deviance can be perceived in many different ways. Vegetarians and Muslims are both groups that do not consume meat. Although these groups are not breaking the law. Their behavior is different than what is accepted to be normal. One of the best examples to portray how deviance has transformed over time is slavery. During the 18th and much of the 19th century, it was perfectly legal for Americans to own slaves. During this time period slaves were not looked at as humans. Most slaves were subjected to abuse, cruel labor, forced marriage or rape. Slavery was officially abolished in 1865. Slavery is a great example to

When something becomes illegal there is then a higher chance for it to be considered deviant. During that time it was common for people to try to find ways around the law or limitation. Drug stores were selling alcohol labeled as “medicine”. Breweries were forced to get creative by selling “near beer”. “Near beer” was a drink that contained less than 0.5% alcohol. During the prohibition era speakeasy bars were formed. Speakeasy bars were hidden rooms where alcohol was served. Until the ban on alcohol was lifted in 1933 many people had hidden stills on their property. The prohibition of alcohol is a great example of when something is made illegal, there is a higher chance for it to be considered deviant. Marijuana also follows a similar path as alcohol followed. Marijuana users were once considered regular members of society. That changed in 1937 when marijuana was official made illegal. After that day, all marijuana users were then considered deviant. Even though marijuana is illegal, the demand for it has not subsided. The growers of marijuana were forced to get clever with the location they grow the plant. Many growers grew their plant in secluded locations. Hidden deep in