Deviance--The Saints and the Roughnecks

For homework we read The Saints and the Roughnecks by William J. Chambles. It talked about teenage deviance in America and after reading it I realized that there are actually saints and roughnecks at Stevenson. As hard as it may be for some to believe, students at stevenson are commonly involved with illegal activities such as underage drinking and drugs. Being a student, I know that there are a wide variety of kids who do these things, even kids who most people wouldn't expect that kind of behavior from. This statement is supported throughout Chambliss' article. The "saints" at Stevenson can get away with a lot more than the "roughnecks" because the saints are the kids who are wealthy, get good grades, and are involved with sports and school activites. The "roughnecks" are typically the kids who come from low income families, are not motivated, and don't try in school. The saints get away with more than the roughnecks because they are not expected to do what they actually do behind closed doors. When a saint is caught doing something considered out of the ordinary for them, this is considered deviance and it is looked down upon in society today, especially at Stevenson where kids feel pressured to do what is expected of them and not be portrayed in any other way.