On the Logical Adequacy of Cultural Deviance Theories

Abstract

This paper examines the logical adequacy of cultural deviance theories, specifically Sutherland's differential association theory and Akers's social learning theory. There are four crucial questions that cultural deviance theorists have not addressed adequately: (1) What is the content of deviant norms? (2) What is the origin of deviant norms and subcultures? (3) How can we identify deviant subcultures and normative conflict apart from individuals' behavior? and (4) How easily do individuals learn deviant norms? Attempts to answer these questions have resulted in departures from the original theoretical statements. This in turn results in either logical contradictions in the theories or their transformation into control theories.