From a sociological perspective, social norms are all around us and are accepted norms and behaviors that are defined within a specific group. The group you are in can change, which means the norms and behaviors that are acceptable at any given time may change.

Deviance is behavior that departs from or violates the established social norm. Erich Goode, an American sociologist, argues that four things must happen for something deviant to take place or exist:

1. a rule or norm must be established;
2. someone has to violate that rule or norm;
3. there must be an audience or someone, that witnesses the act and judges it to be wrong; and
4. there is likely going to be a negative reaction from that audience that can come in many forms (i.e., criticism, disapproval, punishment, and more). (Goode, 2015).

Watch this video on deviance to understand the historical context of the term deviant and learn how what is considered “deviant” can actually change over time.

1.4.1 Consider “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” Myth/Controversy

Disciplining children is a primary function of the family. Many people believe it is acceptable, or even necessary, to spank their children. Spanking is a form of corporal punishment. Why do parents spank their children? For some parents, they spank as a form of punishment (Remember operant conditioning? It is a form of positive punishment). They are using physical means to stop a behavior from happening again. These are ideological beliefs.

Other parents might say that they’ve been spanked as a child, and they turned out fine. This belief reinforces the family upbringing myth. Additionally, other parents might feel pressure to discipline their child with physical force. Some parents “think” they seem “weak” if they do not spank their child. Furthermore, grandparents and other family members might encourage new parents to spank their children.

Please listen or read the National Public Radio’s podcast on spanking (NPR’s – “The American Academy of Pediatrics On Spanking Children: Don’t Do It, Ever.”)

There is a difference between physical discipline and physical abuse, but it is a fine line. If you are in favor of spanking, would you let another family member spank your child? Would you let a stranger? Why or why not? It is not illegal to spank children in the United States, but decades of research have recommended other methods of punishment and discipline besides physical force. At the very least, it is easy for children to learn that violence (spanking) is an appropriate method to get what you want. Parents who spank their children because their child “hit” another child or sibling might want to reflect on how this may actually teach a child to use violence as a means of correcting another person’s behavior.