The Term Deviance Can Be Defined As

Deviance is a fascinating, complex, and often misunderstood concept that lies at the heart of sociology and criminology. It's a term that evokes strong reactions, conjuring images of rebellious teenagers, hardened criminals, and social outcasts. However, deviance is far more nuanced than these stereotypes suggest. It's a concept that challenges our assumptions about right and wrong, normal and abnormal, and the very fabric of society.

Understanding Deviance: A Sociological Perspective

Deviance, at its core, refers to any behavior, belief, or condition that violates social norms in a given community or society. It's important to emphasize that deviance is not inherent in an act itself. Rather, it is defined by the social context in which it occurs. What is considered deviant in one society or group may be perfectly acceptable, or even admired, in another.

Consider, for example, body modification. In many Western societies, extensive tattoos and piercings were once considered deviant, largely associated with rebellious subcultures. However, in many indigenous cultures, these practices are integral to social status, religious rituals, and personal identity. Similarly, in some conservative societies, women showing their hair in public could be seen as deviant. However, in Western societies, it is the norm.

The Key Elements of Deviance

To fully grasp the concept of deviance, it's helpful to break it down into its key elements:

Violation of Norms: This is the most fundamental aspect of deviance. Norms are the rules and expectations that guide behavior in society. They can be formal, like laws, or informal, like customs and traditions. Deviance occurs when someone violates these norms.
Social Context: As mentioned earlier, deviance is relative to the social context in which it occurs. This includes the culture, time period, and specific group or community.
Social Reaction: Deviance is not simply about violating a norm; it's also about how society reacts to that violation. This reaction can range from mild disapproval to severe punishment, depending on the nature of the deviance and the social context.
Power Dynamics: Who has the power to define what is deviant and who is labeled as deviant? This is a crucial question to consider when studying deviance. Often, those in positions of power are able to define deviance in ways that maintain their own social dominance.

Types of Deviance

Deviance is not a monolithic concept. It manifests in many different forms. Sociologists often categorize deviance based on various criteria, such as severity, nature, and the type of norm violated. Here are a few common distinctions:

Formal vs. Informal Deviance: Formal deviance refers to violations of laws, which are codified norms enforced by the state. Examples include theft, assault, and murder. Informal deviance refers to violations of informal norms, such as customs, traditions, and etiquette. Examples include picking your nose in public, cutting in line, or wearing inappropriate clothing to a formal event.
Positive vs. Negative Deviance: While deviance is often associated with negative behaviors, it can also be positive. Positive deviance refers to actions that violate norms in a way that is considered beneficial or admirable. Examples include acts of heroism, altruism, and creative innovation. Negative deviance, on the other hand, refers to actions that violate norms in a way that is considered harmful or undesirable.
Primary vs. Secondary Deviance: Primary deviance refers to the initial act of deviance. It is often unintentional or experimental and does not necessarily lead to a deviant identity. Secondary deviance occurs when an individual internalizes the deviant label and organizes their behavior and identity around it. This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the individual continues to engage in deviant behavior because they have been labeled as deviant.

Theoretical Perspectives on Deviance

Sociologists have developed various theoretical perspectives to explain the causes and consequences of deviance. These theories offer different insights into why people engage in deviant behavior and how society responds to it.

Functionalist Perspective

Functionalist theories of deviance emphasize the role of deviance in maintaining social order. While deviance is often seen as disruptive, functionalists argue that it can also serve several important functions:

Clarifying Norms: By defining and punishing deviance, society reinforces its norms and values. This helps to clarify what is considered acceptable behavior and strengthens social cohesion.
Promoting Social Unity: When people witness deviance, they often come together to condemn it, which can strengthen social bonds and create a sense of shared identity.
Stimulating Social Change: Deviance can challenge existing norms and values, leading to social change. What is considered deviant today may become acceptable tomorrow.

Émile Durkheim, a founding figure in sociology, argued that deviance is inevitable in any society. He believed that even a "society of saints" would find ways to define deviance, as people would inevitably differ in their beliefs and behaviors. Durkheim also introduced the concept of anomie, which refers to a state of normlessness or social disorganization. He argued that anomie can lead to increased deviance, as people feel less constrained by social norms.

Robert Merton expanded on Durkheim's concept of anomie with his strain theory. Merton argued that deviance occurs when there is a gap between cultural goals and the legitimate means of achieving those goals. For example, in American society, the cultural goal of financial success is widely promoted. However, not everyone has equal access to the legitimate means of achieving this goal, such as education and employment. This can lead to strain, which may result in deviance, such as theft, drug dealing, or other forms of illegal activity. Merton identified five possible adaptations to this strain:

Conformity: Accepting both the cultural goals and the legitimate means of achieving them.
Innovation: Accepting the cultural goals but rejecting the legitimate means and instead using illegitimate means to achieve them.
Ritualism: Rejecting the cultural goals but clinging to the legitimate means, even though they may not lead to success.
Retreatism: Rejecting both the cultural goals and the legitimate means and withdrawing from society.
Rebellion: Rejecting both the cultural goals and the legitimate means and seeking to replace them with new goals and means.

Conflict Perspective

Conflict theories of deviance emphasize the role of power and inequality in shaping definitions of deviance and the social response to it. Conflict theorists argue that deviance is not simply a matter of violating norms; it is also a reflection of social inequalities. Those in positions of power are able to define deviance in ways that maintain their own social dominance and control.

Karl Marx, a key figure in conflict theory, argued that deviance is a product of capitalism. He believed that the capitalist system creates inequalities that lead to crime and other forms of deviance. For example, the poor may be forced to commit crimes in order to survive, while the wealthy may engage in corporate crime in order to maximize their profits.

Conflict theorists also point out that the criminal justice system is often biased against the poor and marginalized. They argue that the laws are written and enforced in ways that disproportionately punish these groups, while the wealthy and powerful are often able to avoid punishment for their crimes.

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

Symbolic interactionist theories of deviance focus on how deviance is learned through social interaction. These theories emphasize the role of symbols, language, and social meanings in shaping our understanding of deviance and our behavior.

Edwin Sutherland developed the differential association theory, which argues that deviance is learned through interaction with others who are deviant. According to Sutherland, people learn deviant behavior, values, and attitudes from their intimate social groups, such as family and friends. The more exposure someone has to deviant attitudes and behaviors, the more likely they are to become deviant themselves.

Howard Becker developed the labeling theory, which argues that deviance is not inherent in an act itself, but rather is a result of how society labels that act. According to Becker, when someone is labeled as deviant, they may begin to internalize that label and organize their behavior and identity around it. This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the individual continues to engage in deviant behavior because they have been labeled as deviant. Labeling theory also emphasizes the role of power in defining deviance. Those in positions of power are able to apply labels to others, while those who are marginalized are more likely to be labeled as deviant.

The Social Control of Deviance

All societies have mechanisms for controlling deviance and maintaining social order. These mechanisms can be formal, such as laws and the criminal justice system, or informal, such as social norms and customs.

Formal Social Control

Formal social control refers to the mechanisms used by the state to enforce laws and punish deviance. This includes the police, courts, and correctional system. The goals of formal social control are to deter crime, punish offenders, and protect society.

Deterrence: The idea that punishment will deter people from committing crimes.
Retribution: The idea that offenders should be punished for their crimes.
Incapacitation: The idea that offenders should be removed from society to prevent them from committing further crimes.
Rehabilitation: The idea that offenders can be reformed and reintegrated into society.

Informal Social Control

Informal social control refers to the mechanisms used by individuals and groups to enforce social norms and discourage deviance. This includes things like social pressure, gossip, and ostracism. Informal social control is often more effective than formal social control, as it operates at the level of everyday interaction and can shape behavior before it becomes deviant.

Socialization: The process by which individuals learn the norms and values of society.
Social Sanctions: Rewards and punishments used to encourage conformity and discourage deviance.
Peer Pressure: The influence of one's peers on their behavior.

Deviance and Social Change

Deviance is not always negative. It can also play a role in social change. By challenging existing norms and values, deviance can lead to new ways of thinking and behaving. What is considered deviant today may become acceptable tomorrow.

Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement challenged the norms of racial segregation and discrimination.
LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: The LGBTQ+ Rights Movement challenged the norms of heterosexuality and gender conformity.
Environmental Movement: The Environmental Movement challenged the norms of environmental exploitation and pollution.

Deviance: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is all deviance criminal?

A: No. Deviance refers to any violation of social norms, while crime refers to violations of laws. Some deviant behaviors are also crimes, but many are not. For example, dressing unconventionally may be considered deviant, but it is not a crime.

Q: Is deviance always negative?

A: No. While deviance is often associated with negative behaviors, it can also be positive. Positive deviance refers to actions that violate norms in a way that is considered beneficial or admirable.

Q: Is deviance the same in all cultures?

A: No. Deviance is relative to the social context in which it occurs. What is considered deviant in one society or group may be perfectly acceptable, or even admired, in another.

Q: How does society control deviance?

A: Societies use both formal and informal mechanisms to control deviance. Formal social control refers to the mechanisms used by the state to enforce laws and punish deviance. Informal social control refers to the mechanisms used by individuals and groups to enforce social norms and discourage deviance.

Q: Can deviance lead to social change?

A: Yes. By challenging existing norms and values, deviance can lead to new ways of thinking and behaving.

Conclusion: Embracing the Complexity of Deviance

Deviance is a complex and multifaceted concept that plays a crucial role in shaping society. It is not simply a matter of right and wrong, but rather a reflection of social norms, power dynamics, and cultural values. By understanding the different types of deviance, the theoretical perspectives on deviance, and the mechanisms for controlling deviance, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of social life. Moreover, recognizing the potential for deviance to drive positive social change encourages us to critically evaluate existing norms and strive for a more just and equitable society. Deviance, therefore, is not just a problem to be solved, but a phenomenon to be understood and engaged with thoughtfully.