Chapter 6, Problem 1RA-P169

Summary Introduction

Introduction

Some college marching bands follow very intense and rigorous training schedules that seem normal to them, but deviant by others, since members may practice early in the morning, or camp out near the college mascot statue to protect it from rival college students. Students who are devoted role-playing gamers would seem deviant to others for spending hours sharing imaginary quests and adventures, but they conform to their own set of norms and expectations.

Explanation of Solution

Answer and explanation

(This question requires a subjective response, and this is an example.)

The sheer amount of practice and had work associated with being a member of a college marching band can seem like deviance to people who are not in the band. It can also be seen as conformity, since band members wear the same uniforms and comply with the strenuous demands of their performances. In addition, the band may take upon itself other responsibilities, such as protecting the school mascot from students from rival schools seeking to vandalize the statue, for example. College students who are into role-playing games may spend hours in a shared adventure in their collective imaginations. This is often seen as deviance because many people have trouble understanding or playing a game that is based on imagination rather than concrete game boards, for example. These players can also be seen as conforming to the norms within the role-playing game community, such as treating others the way one wants to be treated, and being open to the guidance of the dungeon master.