Heavy Metal Band

Description

The singer of a heavy metal band during a performance in Regina.

Sociological Interpretation

This photograph displays a relatively benign form of social deviance. Social deviance can be defined as “behavior which fails to conform with the accepted norms of a social group or system”. Because the singer is performing a type of music that is outside of what is considered “mainstream” or accepted within most members of our society, he is in fact involved in social deviant behaviour. The music being performed is defined as not being mainstream because it is not played by radio stations, or seen on television. In this case, radio and television acts as a form of authority, due to the fact that they only play certain kinds of music, music that our culture deems as acceptable.

Social deviance is displayed in other ways within this picture. Males in western society aren't supposed to let their hair grow long; long hair is only appropriate for females. By growing his hair long, the singer is rejecting that notion. After the 1960s, males growing their hair long has become a lot more acceptable, but it is still not the norm. He also is wearing leather bracelets and a necklace that signify his rejection of traditional forms of dress for males in society.

It is also worth noting that while the singer is displaying socially deviant behaviour in regards to North American society as whole, his behaviour would not be considered deviant within the “heavy metal” subculture. When analysing the smaller culture of heavy metal music, the singer is actually conforming. By deviating within the larger mainstream culture, he is conforming within the smaller subculture. The modes of dress and style displayed by the singer are adopted by a far greater number of people amongst the heavy metal crowd. It is a cultural norm for males to wear their hair long, for example. And the music itself is no longer deviant, it is the preferred music amongst members of that society.