SOC 295-01 - Special Topic: Deviance and Subcultures

4 credits (Fall)

This course explores a variety of youth-oriented subcultures labeled “deviant” by dominant/”mainstream” societies. We will examine how societies define deviance, why people engage in deviance, subcultural resistance, and societies’ reactions to deviant subcultures. We also think critically about issues of race, social class, gender, and sexuality, and how subculturists both resist and reinforce prevailing inequalities. Groups such as skinheads, punks, goths, skaters, Riot Grrrls, virginity pledgers, and gamers illustrate subcultural and deviance theories.

Prerequisite: SOC 111.
Instructor: Haenfler