Analysis Of Account: A Computer Pirate Tells His Story

After reading “Account: A Computer Pirate Tells His Story”, I do not believe the act of piracy that Steve committed could be considered deviant. The reactivist or relativist definition of deviance could prove to true when considering Steve’s actions. The authors of “Sociology of Deviant Behavior” have described the relativist definition of deviance to be “in the eye of the beholder” (Clinard and Meier, 2016, pg. 7). There were no individuals that were harmed or injured in this act, and while stealing and reproducing material is considered a crime, many individuals, especially students, consider this to be normal. One could even assert that Steve was helping his fellow classmates to save money, which as a college student is rather difficult …show more content…
When he learned of alternative ways to watch the movie, he decided it was a great idea that could save a lot of money. From there, he was completely enthralled with the feeling of power. I do not think Steve continued to engage in a life of crime as he recognized the act as deviant, and even hid his actions from his family (“Account: A Computer Pirate Tells His Story”). He seems to have learned his lesson and understand that what he did was illegal. He might end up retreating back to that at some point in his life due to his desire for power, however, I think he will live a more conventional life for the most …show more content…
78). Merton believed that “deviance results from a particular kind of social organization” (Clinard and Meier, 2016, pg. 78), meaning that the social circle one finds themselves in can lead to their deviance. For example, Steve enjoyed the power he felt by committing this act of piracy, as it led to his rise in popularity in college as people came to him for movies. Anomie theory can lead people to engage in less conventional methods to achieve what they want. In addition to anomie theory, labeling theory, developed by Edwin Lemert, and then contributed to by many other sociologists such as Becker, Garfinkel, and Goffman (Clinard and Meier, 2016, pg 92). Labeling theory “focuses on the consequences of deviants’ interactions with conventional society, particularly with official agents of social control (Clinard and Meier, 2016, pg. 92). In the story, Steve knew that the act that he was committing was illegal, and towards the end of the account, he recognized that he did engage in deviance and that what he did was a crime, no matter how minor. Due to the norms and laws that society imposes on individuals, they are able to discern whether or not the act they committed was illegal or