Angelica M. answered • 08/10/24
Pre-Med Bachelor of Science in Biology Top 5% of FIU
From a sociological perspective, drunk driving is considered deviant because it violates societal norms and expectations concerning safe and responsible behavior. This deviation can be examined through various sociological frameworks, including functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.
Functionalism views deviance as a natural and necessary part of society, serving to uphold social norms and values. According to this perspective, drunk driving is considered deviant because it disrupts the social order by endangering lives and violating the norms governing safe driving practices. Functionalists argue that societal reactions to deviant behavior, such as legal penalties and social disapproval, reinforce norms and contribute to social stability. In the case of drunk driving, the strong societal condemnation and legal consequences are mechanisms that help maintain order by discouraging this dangerous behavior and promoting adherence to norms that prioritize public safety.
Conflict theory, on the other hand, focuses on the power dynamics and inequalities that influence the definition of deviance. From this perspective, drunk driving can be seen as deviant because it challenges the interests of those in positions of authority and power, such as law enforcement and policymakers, who seek to enforce laws that protect public safety. Conflict theorists might argue that laws against drunk driving reflect the priorities and values of more powerful groups in society, and that these laws serve to maintain their control over less powerful individuals. Additionally, conflict theory can examine how the enforcement of drunk driving laws may disproportionately affect different social groups, such as lower-income individuals, who might face harsher penalties and more significant consequences than others.
Symbolic interactionism examines how deviant behavior is defined and understood through social interactions and the meanings individuals attach to their actions. According to this perspective, drunk driving is labeled as deviant through social processes such as public discourse, media representation, and legal definitions. Symbolic interactionists would explore how individuals who engage in drunk driving come to see themselves through the lens of societal labels and stigma. They might also investigate how the normalization of drinking in social settings and the social context in which drunk driving occurs influence individuals' decisions to engage in this behavior. For example, social interactions that downplay the risks of drunk driving or trivialize its consequences might contribute to its occurrence.
