Moral Entrepreneurs How Howard Becker Explains Deviant Behavior

Who, according to Howard Becker, is responsible for defining deviant behavior?

Deviant behavior, a concept central to sociology, refers to actions or behaviors that violate social norms and expectations within a given society or group. Understanding how societies define and respond to deviance is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of social control, power, and social change. Howard Becker, a prominent sociologist, made significant contributions to our understanding of deviance, particularly through his concept of moral entrepreneurs. This article will delve into Becker's theory and explore who, according to him, plays the pivotal role in defining deviant behavior, focusing on the correct answer: moral entrepreneurs.

Understanding Deviance and Social Norms

Before diving into Becker's theory, it's essential to grasp the fundamental concepts of deviance and social norms. Social norms are the unwritten rules of behavior that are considered acceptable in a particular group or society. These norms can vary widely across cultures and time periods, reflecting diverse values and beliefs. Deviance, then, is any behavior that deviates from these established norms. It's important to note that deviance is not inherently negative; it simply signifies a departure from what is considered typical or acceptable within a specific social context.

Deviant behavior can range from minor transgressions, such as violating dress codes or engaging in unconventional lifestyles, to more serious offenses like criminal activities. The perception and reaction to deviance are heavily influenced by societal values, power structures, and historical context. What is considered deviant in one society may be perfectly acceptable in another, highlighting the subjective and relative nature of deviance. For example, certain forms of dress or body modification may be considered deviant in some cultures but are integral parts of cultural identity in others.

Social norms are maintained through various mechanisms, including socialization, informal social control (e.g., disapproval, gossip), and formal social control (e.g., laws, policing). When individuals violate these norms, societies often respond with sanctions, which can range from mild disapproval to severe punishment. The process of defining and reacting to deviance is not neutral; it is shaped by power dynamics and social inequalities. Certain groups or individuals may have more influence in defining what is considered deviant and in enforcing social norms, leading to the marginalization or stigmatization of others.

The study of deviance is crucial in sociology because it sheds light on the intricate workings of social order, power relations, and social change. By examining how societies define and respond to deviance, we can gain insights into the underlying values, beliefs, and power structures that shape social life. Furthermore, understanding the dynamics of deviance is essential for addressing social problems and promoting a more just and equitable society. For instance, examining the historical context of drug use and its criminalization can reveal how social anxieties and biases have shaped drug policies, often with disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities. Similarly, studying the social construction of mental illness helps us understand how societal attitudes and beliefs influence the diagnosis, treatment, and lived experiences of individuals with mental health conditions.

Howard Becker and the Concept of Moral Entrepreneurs

Howard Becker, a highly influential figure in the field of sociology, is best known for his work on deviance, particularly his book Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance. In this seminal work, Becker introduced the concept of moral entrepreneurs, which is central to understanding how certain behaviors come to be defined as deviant. Moral entrepreneurs, according to Becker, are individuals or groups who take the lead in labeling particular behaviors as deviant and campaigning for their suppression. They are essentially the rule creators and enforcers who shape societal perceptions of right and wrong.

Becker's theory of moral entrepreneurship emphasizes the social construction of deviance. This means that deviance is not an inherent quality of a behavior itself but rather a product of social definitions and reactions. Behaviors are not intrinsically deviant; they become deviant when powerful individuals or groups define them as such. Moral entrepreneurs play a crucial role in this process by identifying certain behaviors as problematic, raising awareness about their supposed harms, and advocating for the creation or enforcement of rules against them. This perspective challenges the notion that deviance is simply a matter of objective wrongdoing and highlights the importance of social and political processes in shaping what is considered deviant.

Moral entrepreneurs often operate with a strong sense of moral righteousness, believing that they are acting in the best interests of society. They may be motivated by a genuine concern for social welfare, but their actions can also be influenced by personal interests, political agendas, or cultural biases. They use various strategies to achieve their goals, including lobbying for new laws, mobilizing public opinion, and working with law enforcement agencies. Their efforts can have significant consequences, leading to the criminalization of certain behaviors, the stigmatization of particular groups, and the expansion of social control mechanisms.

The process of moral entrepreneurship typically involves several stages. First, moral entrepreneurs identify a perceived social problem or threat. This may involve drawing attention to a particular behavior, highlighting its negative consequences, and framing it as a danger to society. Second, they seek to generate public awareness and concern about the issue. This may involve using media campaigns, public speeches, and other forms of advocacy to spread their message and mobilize support. Third, they work to create or enforce rules against the behavior in question. This may involve lobbying for new laws, pressuring law enforcement agencies to take action, or establishing organizations to monitor and control the behavior. Finally, they must maintain the public's attention and concern about the issue in order to ensure that the rules they have created or enforced remain in place.

Identifying the Moral Entrepreneurs

According to Howard Becker, moral entrepreneurs are the key players in defining deviant behavior. They are the individuals or groups who actively work to create and enforce rules about what is considered right and wrong in society. This definition distinguishes them from other potential actors who might influence the perception of deviance. Let's examine why the other options provided in the question are not the primary rule-makers in Becker's framework:

• Moral Legislators: While legislators play a crucial role in enacting laws, they are not necessarily the driving force behind the initial definition of deviance. Legislators often respond to social pressures and concerns raised by various actors, including moral entrepreneurs. They translate societal values and demands into legal frameworks, but they are not always the originators of the moral crusades that lead to new laws.
• Moral Engineers: This term is not commonly used in sociological discourse, and it does not align with Becker's conceptual framework. The term