Are liberals more likely than conservatives to hold the positivist or constructionist view of deviance? Why?
Which view makes more sense to you and why?
The correct answer and explanation is :
Liberals are generally more likely than conservatives to hold a constructionist view of deviance. The constructionist perspective asserts that deviance is not an inherent quality of an act but rather a label that society applies to certain behaviors. It focuses on the ways in which social norms, power structures, and cultural contexts shape our understanding of what is considered deviant. This view suggests that what is considered deviant can change over time and across different societies. Liberals, who tend to advocate for social change, inclusivity, and the questioning of traditional power structures, are often more inclined to adopt this viewpoint because they focus on the fluidity of social norms and the impact of societal context on defining deviance.
In contrast, conservatives are more likely to hold a positivist view of deviance, which believes that deviance is an objective reality that can be observed and measured. According to this perspective, certain behaviors are inherently deviant, regardless of social context or power dynamics. Conservatives, who typically value tradition, order, and social stability, often prefer the positivist perspective because it reinforces the idea that there are universal standards for behavior and that certain actions are objectively wrong.
Explanation:
The reason why liberals tend to lean toward a constructionist view of deviance is because they are often critical of rigid social norms and are more open to the idea that cultural definitions of deviance are subjective and shaped by those in power. Liberals advocate for social reforms, such as the decriminalization of certain behaviors (like marijuana use), which challenges existing definitions of deviance and recognizes that these definitions may be biased or historically rooted in systems of oppression.
On the other hand, conservatives may prefer the positivist view because it aligns with their emphasis on tradition, social order, and the belief that there are fixed moral standards that should govern society.
In my view, the constructionist approach makes more sense because it recognizes the flexibility and context-dependent nature of societal norms. It allows for a more nuanced understanding of deviance, acknowledging that behaviors considered deviant in one culture or time period may not be viewed as such in another.