Moving Beyond Conformity Summary

Deborah Brock (2009) article, “Moving beyond Deviance: Power, Regulation, and Governmentality” unpack the construction of the discourse of normalization which determines what is normal and abnormal in society. Furthermore, Deborah Brock discloses, how social regulation, moral and governing bodies have shaped the creation of what is normal. Those regulatory bodies are social institution such as, school, religion and political agendas have all influence our socialization in society and influence our beliefs. Audre Lorde gives a construction of a normalized gaze that is a dominant discourse that is perpetuated in society to represent truth.
Somewhere, on the edge of consciousness, there is what I call a mythical norm, which each one of us within

According to Brock (2009), “The deviants, characteristically, the “nut” (mentally ill), sluts (prostitutes), and perverts (homosexuals)” (pg. 17). The author is conveying if one falls into this classification which is socially constructed as deviant, then one is excluded, occupying the position of an outsider. One fix identity seeks to be institutionalized as the ideal norms of society that regulates self-governance and to resist conformity, is to be labeled and stigmatize by society. The normalization of normal which were socially constructed by dominant ideology seeks to maintain control by reinforcing predominant views on heteronormativity. Brock (2009) states that “Marx’s theory on class conflict seeks to secure and preserve the interest of the ruling group (pg.22). Normalization in society privileges and includes those who adhere to societal norms, while deviant punishes and ostracizes for being different. It oppresses and excludes those who don’t fit into the frame of the dominant ideology. Brocks continues to prove her argument by giving examples, such as heterosexuality which is viewed as normal and a natural way of life, in contrast, to homosexuality which is viewed as abnormal and not

The timing was not right but circumstances happened and we had no choice but to sell and move on. In the process of that decision my daughter was already six month in grade 4. The moving terrified my daughter which we were concern with because the fear of going to another school in the middle of the year was devastating. She desperately wanted to finish the year at her previous school. She was familiar with her surrounding, her friends, teachers and all the activities she were doing in school. Transition is never easy! As a concern parent, I made an appointment with the principal to discuss the situation with her. Before I get a head, let me mention I am in an interracial relationship, my husband is white and I am brown skin. My daughters is blended between skin colors. When I went to see the principal, I related my situation and concern and wondering if she were able to accommodate my family. I bought to her attention all the contribution my daughter had done also, recommendation from her teachers that her services is need but it was too no avail. The white principal had power and privilege to exercise a decision that could favor my request but she did not. She was governed by ideologies and personal conviction that never even respond to the reason why not. I left there very disappointed. Somehow, I felt I was not