Cultural & Social Change

Proposal: How smoking is now seen as a deviant behavior through social and cultural change Throughout all societies there a different kinds of behaviors and norms that are perceived at either socially deviant behavior or socially acceptable. When a specific behavior is labor as socially deviant it becomes highly stigmatized, which conflicts with those engaging in the behavior. An example of a deviant behavior is smoking, many individual label smoked as irrational or unhealthy. Smoking is also closely related to those in working or middle class. Smoking has become socially unacceptable all across the United States. The issue of smoking has become a strong debate in all facets of society. As the age of technology grew, many have become aware that cigarettes can cause death. Many smokers views themselves at “stigmatized”, this act of deviant behavior has become a non-normal act in society. It is viewed as a disgraceful act and assumed that an individual that participates in smoking does not care for their wellbeing. The link between smoking and cancer was discovered not to long ago. Smoking was once seen as a social event, everyone seemed to smoke. Society has become more health orientated, many are fighting to be young and beautiful. Smoking is not habit, which shares a relationship with youth and beauty. The time during World War One and before Vietnam, popular culture greatly advertised smoking positively. Smoking was found in the majority of movies between the 1940’s and 1950’s, it was seen as constant as the handgun. During this time American culture was still establishing its identity. It was war that brought the people of America together, it bring a culture together. During any war, it can cause a severe amount of stress. Smoking during war seemed to be unavoidable, it was an act to relieve stress. Smoking and the American solider were closely related during this time, smoking became viewed as patriotic. However, during this time the issues surrounding health from smoking were not widely known or of any concern to many. Smoking was praised by many, it was an act of consolation in the face of tragedy. It wasn’t till the early 1960’s when smoking was reported as health hazard. The American Lung Associated declared that there was a direct link between smoking and lung cancer. This is where the battle began against smokers and it was aimed at the tobacco manufacturer. By 1965, the government mandated that all tobacco companies must advertise on their cigarette packets that it is “hazardous to your health”. Five years later, congress prohibited all broadcast advertising of tobacco products. It was the medical evidence and the help of government loyalty which lead to the downfall of cigarette usage and a change in culture attitude of many Americans. Looking across cultures throughout the world, Smoking is definitely viewed differently. I was raised in Indonesia and smoking was part of the culture. Almost everyone and everywhere you went, there are numerous smokers. Other than the fact that the price for a pack of cigarettes is very cheap (about two dollars), smoking is not seen as unacceptable. Children in United States under the age of 18 get caught smoking in American are often penalized, children in Indonesia puff away more than any other children across the world. Indonesia is known for accepting tobacco use, it is simply following a cultural norm in their society. This is the opposite perception of cigarettes in the US and many other westernized countries. However, the main factor why smoking is acceptable is due to lack of education. American schools will make sure children/young adults are fully aware and have the tolls to understand the effects of smoking and how it can effect an individuals life. This type of education is not seen in Indonesia, many can’t even afford to have a well rounded education. The government in the US has a strict hold on tobacco industry, raising prices on cigarettes to stop many from purchasing. On the other hand, Indonesian government rely on the tobacco industry as a source of constant money. Even though it is practically impossible to shut down tobacco factories due to economical factors, the government tries their best to enlighten citizens of the health risks. The worlds perception on smoking has greatly changed over time, however many cultures throughout the world are not aware of the numerous health risk. Smoking is a great example to demonstrate are different cultural norms have different views on what is considered deviant and non-deviant behavior. Even though many cultures find the act of smoking as deviant and unhealthy, not all societies have the same views. Every society has their own beliefs and values, shaping the society they live in.