What is Deviance Essay - 1646 Words

Deviance can be defined as an absence of conformity to the social norm. Not all deviant behavior is necessarily illegal or harmful to individuals, these behaviors can range from standing in another’s personal space to murdering another individual. In some cases, it can be looked upon as a positive change or a unique and favorable act. Although, considered deviant because it is not the social norm, it still can have a very positive social aspect or lead to social change. Culture and the societies within these cultures have a significant impact on what is considered deviant and what is acceptable or even lawful behavior. The degree of deviance is measured by society’s reaction towards the action and the lawful sanctions that may take†¦show more content†¦Abnormal behavior in one society appears normal in the other society (Nairne, 426). Deviance is weighed by the society’s reactions to the particular behavior, also it is measured by the societyâ€℠¢s way of life so that it defines the unwelcoming behavior. It ignores the social order and some organizations believe, the reality in society. The violation of the social norm can be meant to be utilized as a way of sustaining power, position, and influence of a specific group of people or organizations. In most cultures, the idea of deviance is based on the values, deeds, and beliefs that are achieved through interaction among people that have influence in the society and from the understanding that culture is passed on from member to member. Societies are also comprised of the subculture and the culture itself. The huge cultural forces depict what deeds are appreciated and which are unaccepted or discouraged. On the other hand, the subculture in a certain setting creates a resistance to the dominating culture and in doing so, they give a hand in the behavior that violates the large culture social norms. Therefore, the deviation from the cultural norms can be attributed to the social classes and financial classes. For example, prostitution in regions of the developing world is deviant in most cultures, however poverty pre ssure pushes young girls toward it for survival. Another reason deviant people take aShow MoreRelatedDeviance : What Is Deviance?1764 Words   |  8 PagesWhat is Deviance? Introduction Sociologists have discussed topics that affect our society for a long time. It follows that scholars in the field can gain knowledge by reviewing previous publications on different subjects. One topic that interests sociologists is deviance. This owes to the reality those scholars such as Stuber et al., (2008) and Andersen et al., (2008) made publications on the topic in question. What is deviance? The term deviance identifies an unacceptable or odd behavior withinRead MoreWhat is Deviance?847 Words   |  4 PagesDeviance is defined as actions or behaviors that violate socials norms. In turn the concept of deviance is dependent on the social observation and perception. â€Å"By it’s very nature, the constructionism through which people define and interpret actions or appearances is always â€Å"social.† †(Henry, 2009 , p. 6) One’s perception of a situation may be completely different from another depending on cultural and social factors. The way someone talks, walks, dresses, and holds themselves are all factors thatRead MoreWhat Causes Deviance And What Is The Definition Of Deviance859 Words   |  4 PagesIn the field of sociology there are various competing theories that attempt to determine what causes deviance and what is the definition of deviance. In an effort to explain why gang membership exists in today’s society, there is one theory that stands out from the rest: Sutherland’s differential association. Sutherland’s differential association theory explains deviant behavior as something that is â€Å"learned through associations† rather than solely based upon the community that one is fostered inRead MoreWhat Deviance Is Wrong?1654 Words   |  7 PagesComing into this class I thought I had a clear understanding for what deviance was. I am half way through undergrad and criminology and sociology are my majors for crying out loud I should know what deviance is. But could I be anymore wrong. My d efinition at the beginning of the course was someone who goes against your typical norms. They don’t stick to the status quo. A deviant person relates to criminals who openly break laws, and those who break social norms such as not getting married. Now thatRead MoreChapter 7. 7.1 What Is Deviance?. Deviance – Behavior That1447 Words   |  6 PagesChapter 7 7.1 What is Deviance? Deviance – behavior that departs from societal or group norms Crime – an action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law Social Control – consists of the forces and processes that encourage conformity, including: self control, informal and formal control Criminal Justice System – the organizations - police, courts, and prison officials - that respond to alleged violations of the law The Biological ContextRead MoreWhat Deviance Is Socially Constructed Essay1339 Words   |  6 PagesQuestion 1 – Explain what deviance is socially constructed means. Discuss 2 types of positive deviance and 2 types of negative deviance which are socially constructed in the United States. Provide examples of each. Deviance is socially constructed because it is defined and outlined firmly by society’s norms. As a result, a deviant act in one society may not be considered deviant within a different society. Societies define themselves through the shared common values of the individuals and in orderRead MoreWhat Deviance Is Today s Society Essay1081 Words   |  5 PagesWhat defines deviance in today’s society? Is it the abnormal things that people don’t usually do or is it just criminal behavior? Deviance has brought up many questions on what could be defined as it. Deviance is usually shaped by society. It can be defined as the violation of established contextual, cultural, or social norms, whether folkways, mores, or codified law (OpenStax 142). Sociologist want to see why deviance has so many different areas and how it effects a group in a society. For exampleRead MoreExplain why is it important to analyse deviance in society. Using examples to illustrate your answer, d iscuss what such an analysis can tell us about the social and political implications of deviance.1365 Words   |  5 PagesThe expression, deviance draws reference to frown upon behaviour in a social context; the breach of various concerted norm that generally exist in a community or in society (Newman 2004). Some types of deviance are determined by criminal law, others by social standards, morality, the expectations of certain social groups, the welfare system or the medical vocation (Roach-anleu 2003).It is subjective to classify what is regarded as deviant since norms and values vary across nations and culture. VariousRead MorePositive Functions of Deviance1641 Words   |  7 Pageshear of the word â€Å"deviance†, what we immediately think of is something that is negative, something you would not want to be associated with, that is, we think of universally unaccepted things like murder and rape, or we think of the disabled or blind man begging at the street corner. As a result we view deviance as something that should be removed from society and once society becomes free of deviance, it becomes healthy and close to perfect. According to Aggleton (1987: 7), â€Å"deviance could be definedRead MoreEssay about Social Deviance1286 Words   |  6 PagesSocial Deviance Social deviance is a term that refers to forms of behavior and qualities of persons that others in society devalue and discredit. So what exactly is deviance? In this essay we are concerned with social deviance, not physiological deviations from the expected norm. In general, any behavior that does not conform to social norms is deviance; that is behavior that violates significant social norms and is disapproved of by a large number of people as a result. For societies