What aspect of deviance does Erikson argue is promoted within society?

Erikson's argument revolves around the idea that deviance plays a crucial role in the functioning of society. He posits that society inherently promotes a degree of controlled deviance, which contributes to social stability and safety. This perspective suggests that rather than seeking to completely eliminate deviance, societies establish certain levels of it as a means to identify and strengthen social norms.

By allowing controlled forms of deviance, societies can reinforce their norms and values. For instance, through boundaries set around acceptable behavior, instances of deviance can serve to underline what is considered moral and ethical in a community. This dynamic helps in managing social change and minimizing potential disruptions that unchecked deviance might cause. The presence of controlled deviance creates opportunities for social commentary and adaptation, which in turn, aids in enhancing societal cohesion.

This view diverges notably from the notion of complete crime eradication or the focus solely on control agencies, which imply a more rigid and less dynamic relationship with deviance. Similarly, while organized crime represents a form of deviance, it does not encapsulate Erikson's broader sociological perspective on how deviance functions within society as a whole.