In sociology, deviance refers to any behavior that goes against the norms and expectations of a particular society. Deviant behavior can range from minor infractions to more serious acts that challenge the very foundations of social order. The film ‘Akira’ is a Japanese animated science fiction film that provides an interesting lens through which to explore the concept of deviance. This blog post will examine how ‘Akira’ represents deviance from a sociological perspective.
Social Norms and Deviance
Social norms are the unwritten rules and expectations that guide our behavior in society. They vary across cultures and are shaped by factors such as history, values, and beliefs. Deviance occurs when individuals or groups violate these norms, either intentionally or unintentionally. Deviant behavior can be categorized as either formal or informal. Formal deviance refers to actions that are explicitly prohibited by laws or regulations, while informal deviance refers to behaviors that are considered socially unacceptable but not necessarily illegal.
‘Akira’ and Deviance
‘Akira’ is set in a dystopian future Tokyo, where a group of biker gangs and a government experiment gone wrong serve as the backdrop for exploring themes of deviance. The film portrays various forms of deviant behavior, challenging the social order and norms within the fictional society.
1. Deviance as Resistance
One way in which ‘Akira’ represents deviance is through the concept of resistance. The biker gangs in the film, led by the protagonist Kaneda, engage in activities that are considered deviant by the society they inhabit. They challenge the authority of the government and rebel against the oppressive social structure. The biker gangs can be seen as a symbol of resistance against the established norms and power structures, representing the desire for individual freedom and autonomy.
2. Deviance as Social Control
Another aspect of deviance portrayed in ‘Akira’ is the role of social control. The government in the film conducts a secret experiment on children with psychic abilities, including the character Akira. This experiment can be seen as a form of deviant behavior by those in power, as it violates ethical boundaries and infringes upon the rights of the individuals involved. The government’s actions reflect a desire for control and the use of deviance as a means to maintain power and authority over the population.
3. Deviance as Social Change
‘Akira’ also explores the idea of deviance as a catalyst for social change. As the film progresses, the actions of the characters and the consequences of the government experiment lead to a series of events that disrupt the existing social order. The deviant behavior of the biker gangs and the emergence of psychic abilities challenge the status quo and force society to confront its own flaws and shortcomings. This disruption ultimately paves the way for a new social order to emerge.
Conclusion
The film ‘Akira’ provides a thought-provoking exploration of deviance from a sociological perspective. Through its portrayal of resistance, social control, and social change, the film highlights the complexities of deviant behavior and its impact on society. By examining ‘Akira’ through a sociological lens, we can gain a deeper understanding of the role of deviance in shaping social norms and challenging existing power structures.
