A. Objectives

1. to learn concepts: deviance, sanctions, stigma, impression management, social construction of reality,

2. to experiment with participant observation research methods

3. to experience deviance at the micro level of social reality

4. to analyze and present qualitative data in an effective way

B. Directions: Choose ONE of the following rule breaking activities and engage in it realistically for about one week or for enough time to get a pattern of people's reactions to your deviant behavior. Insufficient data will hamper your analysis.

1. Politely but firmly resent the use of cursing in your company

2. (for groups of 2-4 only) pick up litter in public places

3. (women only) let your body hair grow on legs and underarms (only if visibly hairy)

4. (men only) Politely but firmly resent homophobic commentary

5. ask for and carry out "extra" work at your job or at home (you'll be surprised at this one)

6. put/keep radio on a classical music station in home/car

7. change your usual pattern of drug use or partying

8. (for women): spit in unacceptable places

9. (men) shave your hair on head; grow facial hair

10. wear inappropriate clothes for your peer group (e.g. look like a nerd) but nothing outrageous that would signal a school experiment
 
 

Note: Before you go into the field, prepare yourself and "set the stage" for your deviance; be careful not to give yourself away, however. As you break a rule, be aware of your OWN thoughts, behavior and feelings as well as those of others. Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal reactions.

After each encounter, write down your observations of what was happening during the rule breaking episode; these data are known as "field notes". After you have collected enough data, study your field notes and look for patterns, themes, inconsistencies, unexpected findings, etc. Examine your data in light of the ideas discussed in class and in the text about deviance.
 

C. Analysis Based on your findings, answer these questions: 1. How did people react to your deviance? Why? Were verbal and/or non-verbal sanctions used? What factors may have influenced how people reacted? 2. Why do people generally prefer you to conform? Why do some people show little interest in your deviance? 3. How did you feel about being deviant? and Why? What lessons did you learn about deviance from this project?
 

Bring to class on 9/9/1999 a few paragraphs that summarize your findings. These may be hand-written and will serve as a basis for class discussion.
 

** AVOID BREAKING ANY LAWS AND CAUSING PHYSICAL/EMOTIONAL HARM TO SELF/OTHERS. USE COMMON SENSE AND SHOW RESPECT FOR OTHERS. After your research is done, if you choose to tell others that it was for school, then be sure to explain the ACADEMIC reasons for this project (especially your relatives, close friends).