Final answer:
Deviance is organized under functionalist, symbolic interactionist, and conflict theory perspectives in sociology. Examples include strain theory for functionalism, labeling theory for symbolic interactionism, and societal power imbalances for conflict theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deviance may be organized according to different sociological perspectives, examining how social structures, individual interactions, and societal conflicts lead to deviant behavior. Functionalists view deviance as a necessary part of social order, with strain theory, social disorganization theory, and cultural deviance theory providing explanations for its existence. For example, strain theory posits that deviance occurs when there is a disconnect between societal goals and the means to achieve them, leading individuals to engage in deviant acts.
Symbolic interactionism approaches deviance through the lens of individual interactions and meanings. The labeling theory within this paradigm suggests that deviance is not inherent in any act but is instead the result of the labels society attaches to behaviours. An example of this would be a youth who becomes labeled as 'deviant' and then assumes a deviant identity, fulfilling the expectations of the label.
Conflict theory explains deviance and crime through the lens of societal power structures and inequality. It posits that laws and norms reflect the interests of powerful groups, with less powerful groups being more likely to be deemed deviant or criminal. For instance, a poor individual who steals food may be labeled as a criminal, while a corporation engaging in illegal dumping may avoid being labeled or punished as stringently due to its power and influence.