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AQA GCSE · Question 03 · Crime and Deviance
Describe one way in which deviance can be seen to be socially constructed.
Describe one way in which deviance can be seen to be socially constructed.
How to approach this question
To answer this, first define what 'socially constructed' means in this context (i.e., not naturally wrong, but defined as wrong by society). Then, provide a clear example of how a specific act's deviant status has changed over time or differs between cultures. Explain *why* this change shows it's a social construction.
Full Answer
One way deviance is socially constructed is that it varies over time. An act considered deviant in one period may be seen as normal in another. For example, homosexuality was once considered a criminal and deviant act in the UK, but it is now legal and widely accepted. This shows that what society defines as deviant is not fixed but changes with social norms and values.
The concept of social construction of deviance means that no act is inherently deviant. Instead, it becomes deviant when it is defined as such by society. This definition can change depending on the context. For instance, deviance is relative to time (what was deviant in the past may not be now), place/culture (what is deviant in one society may be normal in another), and social situation (e.g., killing someone is usually deviant, but not in the context of war).
Common mistakes
Simply stating that 'rules change' without giving a specific example or explaining how this demonstrates social construction.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Sociology Paper 2
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