SOCIAL CLASS AND DEVIANT BEHAVIOR: SUGGESTIONS FOR THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENT

Abstract

Sociological theories which posit an inverse causal relationship between social class and deviant behavior are able to coexist with other sociological theories stressing a positive relationship between social class and deviance because of the present theoretical and empirical inability to distinguish between them. In order to resolve this dilemma, class-deviance theorists are advised to restrict their concern to behaviors that show promise of class linkage, to specify limiting conditions in the formation of propositions, and to entertain reasonable alternative explanations. Methodologists could also profit by employing multiple measures of the class variable, by utilizing a more precise cutting point strategy with respect to class, and by using both self-report and official indicators of deviance.