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AQA GCSE · Question 03 · Crime and Deviance
Describe one way in which deviance can be seen to be socially constructed.
Describe one way in which deviance can be seen to be socially constructed.
How to approach this question
To answer this, first define what 'socially constructed' means in this context (i.e., not naturally wrong, but defined as wrong by society). Then, provide a clear example of how a specific act's deviant status has changed over time or differs between cultures. Explain *why* this change shows it's a social construction.
Full Answer
The concept of social construction of deviance means that no act is inherently deviant. Instead, it becomes deviant when it is defined as such by society. This definition can change depending on the context. For instance, deviance is relative to time (what was deviant in the past may not be now), place/culture (what is deviant in one society may be normal in another), and social situation (e.g., killing someone is usually deviant, but not in the context of war).
Common mistakes
Simply stating that 'rules change' without giving a specific example or explaining how this demonstrates social construction.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Sociology Paper 2
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