The Fishing Net of Deviance: Catching Ideas and Not Criminals

Abstract

This resource focuses on introducing students to various concepts and ideas related to the sociological understanding of deviance and is based around the ideas of Richard Quinney (1970). This learning experience utilizes an analogy of a fishing net with different holes to demonstrate course content. Different sized nets with different sized netting are...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Criminal Justice, Criminology/Delinquency, Deviant Behavior/Social Disorganization, Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems, Theory

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

College 100, High School

Class Size(s):

Medium, Small

Usage Notes

Designed for classes of 30 or under, but possibly more with modifications:

-Modifications include having the class split into groups with each having their own version of the ‘fishing net’

-This is where different sized boxes and crumpled paper could be used to lessen the resource demand on the instructor as these objects are...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. At the end of the learning experience students will be able to:
   1. Identify different forms of deviance
   2. Articulate how the ‘net’ can help shape the population’s view of deviance
   3. Describe how those in power play a role in how we understand and view deviance
   

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Assessment:
   Assessment can be done in several ways. Throughout the experience asking students questions and for examples can provide whether they are understanding the bigger ideas here. A more traditional method would be to have an ending discussion about the experience.
   
   Debriefing Questions (Learning Outcome):
   • Who was the most...