In keeping with our sociological analysis of some Nigerian musicians’ aberrant behaviour, our analyst reexamines Nigerian Twitter users in light of the categories of rule-makers and enforcers they recommended for policing the musicians. In another context, as Seun Kuti’s police assault continues to garner national and international attention, the article examines the creators, enforcers and breakers from the perspective of the netizens based on their tweets that indicate being moral entrepreneurs.
The two perspectives are examined using the theoretical position of American sociologist Howard Saul Becker, who teaches at Northwestern University. The sociology of deviance, the sociology of art, and the sociology of music have all benefited from Becker’s contributions. In 1963, he came up with the idea that “deviance is a consequence of external judgements, or labels, that modify the individual’s self-concept and change the way others respond to the labelled person. Becker grouped behaviour into four categories: falsely accused, conforming, pure deviant, and secret.”
Out of these four categories, our analyst notes that Seun Kuti and Portable’s recent behaviour aligns with pure deviant, which indicates “individuals who have engaged in rule-breaking or deviant behaviour and have been recognised as such. Then, labelled as deviant by society through moral entrepreneurs who could be on digital platforms or in physical settings.
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Howard Becker’s sociology of deviance suggests that deviance is not an inherent characteristic of an act but rather a consequence of the social reactions to it. Therefore, in analysing the tweets about Seun Kuti, it is important to identify the rule enforcers and creators among the users and those they suggested outside Twittersphere. The rule enforcers are the individuals or groups that have the power to enforce rules and punish those who violate them. In the case of Seun Kuti’s altercation with the police officer, the rule enforcers are the police force and the state. Many of the tweets express support for the police officer and suggest that Seun Kuti should be punished for his actions. These tweets reinforced the rules and norms established by the state, and as such, the netizens who expressed these views are also rule enforcers.
On the other hand, rule creators are individuals or groups who create the rules and norms that govern behaviour. In the case of Seun Kuti’s altercation with the police officer, the rule creator is society, which has been exemplified through various voices on digital platforms and in the physical sphere, and the cultural norms that guide behaviour.
Some of the tweets express support for Seun Kuti’s actions and suggest that the police officer deserved to be slapped. These tweets can be seen as challenging the rules and norms established by the state, and the netizens who expressed their opinions are rule breakers, a concept that Becker did not consider.
Overall, our analysis demonstrates the intricate interplay between societal norms and the laws and regulations of the state and how they influence how people respond to deviant behaviour.