It’s clear that deviance is a fascinating subject not only for sociologists but for television viewers as
well. In recent years, shows have begun to feature people breaking every kind of social norm from
folkways to taboos. Some obvious examples might include MTV’s documentary series Juvies, which
shows what happens when teens get caught breaking the law and end up in juvenile detention, or
A&E’s reality series Dog the Bounty Hunter, whose criminals are attempting to evade justice. But it’s
not just documentaries and reality shows that feature deviance. Various other types of programs like
crime dramas Law and Order or Criminal Minds, newsmagazine programs Dateline NBC or 48 Hours,
and even comedies such as Nip/Tuck or South Park regularly deal with the pathological or
dysfunctional.
Why is there so much deviance on television? Are these shows merely entertainment, or is something
more going on here? When we watch them, do we feel morally superior or get some kind of vicarious
thrill? Does the experience reinforce our social norms or serve to break them down?
This Data Workshop asks you to do a content analysis of an existing source, in this case a particular
TV show (see Chapter 3 for a review of the research method). You will be documenting the ways in
which deviant behavior is portrayed in the show you choose. Choose a show that is on DVD or online,
or simply record an episode off TV so that you can watch it multiple times.
Consider the following:
• Who is the intended audience for this program? Why did you choose it?
• What kind of deviance is featured? Give specific examples of situations, scenes, dialogue, or
characters, and explain why they are examples of deviance.
• Is the deviance celebrated or condemned?
• How does it make you feel to watch the program?
• What effect do you think the show has on other viewers?
• Do you think the program serves to reinforce or challenge prevailing social norms?
1. What TV show did you choose for your content analysis?
2. What kind of deviance is featured on the show? Is the deviance celebrated or condemned?
3. Do you think the show serves to reinforce or challenge prevailing social norms?
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