The constructionist approach to deviance is based on a combination of which theories?

The constructionist approach to deviance is based on a combination of which theories?

• A. Cultural, interactionist, and structural theories
• B. Biological, economic, and psychological theories
• C. Legal, political, and economic theories
• D. Behavioral, cognitive, and genetic theories

Answer: (A)

Deviance is seen as a product of social meaning rather than an inherent trait. A constructionist view holds that what counts as deviant comes from cultural norms, the labels and reactions of others, and the broader social structures that define rules and wield power. Cultural theories explain how shared values set the boundaries of acceptable behavior. Interactionist theories examine how people come to label certain actions as deviant through everyday interactions, stigma, and differential treatment. Structural theories look at how institutions, the economy, and power relations shape which acts are defined as deviant, who gets labeled, and how deviants are treated within society. Together, these perspectives show deviance as a socially constructed category shaped by culture, interaction, and structure, which is why combining cultural, interactionist, and structural theories best fits. The other options focus on individual traits or formal systems alone and miss the social-construction angle.

Deviance is seen as a product of social meaning rather than an inherent trait. A constructionist view holds that what counts as deviant comes from cultural norms, the labels and reactions of others, and the broader social structures that define rules and wield power. Cultural theories explain how shared values set the boundaries of acceptable behavior. Interactionist theories examine how people come to label certain actions as deviant through everyday interactions, stigma, and differential treatment. Structural theories look at how institutions, the economy, and power relations shape which acts are defined as deviant, who gets labeled, and how deviants are treated within society. Together, these perspectives show deviance as a socially constructed category shaped by culture, interaction, and structure, which is why combining cultural, interactionist, and structural theories best fits. The other options focus on individual traits or formal systems alone and miss the social-construction angle.