Het afwijkend gedrag als sociaalcultureel en sociaal-psychologisch probleem

Samenvatting

The text of a lecture given to the Central Assoc for Internal Missions & Christian Soc Work in 1963. It is held that values should be examined as to their content, degree of universality, weight & spread; norms as to their precision, adaptability, acceptance, source of authority, transmission, conformity & deviation. The sanctions that may punish or prevent deviant behavior are discussed & the opinion of J. A. A. Van Doorn & C. J. Lammers that sanctions are most effective through expectations is quoted. In a society with conflicting norms, expectations & aims, it is not easy to determine what is normal or what is deviant behavior. 2 conceptions of normality are distinguished: (1) biologic-functional & Med-psychol'al; & (2) statistical, based on the X. Soc reactions towards deviant behavior may be positive or negative. The positive approach is favored here. It is concluded that: 'It is only through rejecting [primitive reactions] & consciously developing practical measures from definite theoretical insights that we can deal positively & adequately with deviant behavior.' I. Langnas.