What is Deviance?
A norm is a set of expected behaviors for a given role and social status.
In most societies, the majority of people conform to the important norms most of the time. For example, people follow not only the laws of a culture, but also the social norms. Think about what would happen if more people broke laws or social norms. Depending on what the norm is, the situation could be chaotic!
The violation of norms is called deviance.
Deviance is a violation of norms or rules of behavior.
A typical dictionary definition of deviance sounds something like this: "one that does not conform to the norm; one who behaves in sharply different ways from customs; one who ignores the common and behaves in unique ways." A thesaurus might also list: "abnormal; aberration, anomaly, weird, irregular, and even unnatural". Most references attest to the nature of deviance as being something that violates normal behaviors, thoughts, or actions.
But is deviance weird or cool? Is it positive or negative? It is desirable or undesirable. Is deviance good or bad?
For sociologists, the answer is found by considering exactly who has the power and authority to define the behavior as being normal or deviant.
Throughout the history of the U.S., government forms, religions, education, media, and family types have influenced and shaped what is considered "deviant" on subjects as insignificant as swimsuits on beaches and as significant as women having the same rights that men have. Deviance is considered at both of C. Wright Mills' larger social and personal levels.
A personal level example might be a college student who decides to wear a rival college shirt to class. Students do not necessarily need to look at their university, government, or media for approval on how to dress for class. They typically consider a source much more valuable – their peers. If peer reaction is negative, the behavior often changes. Of course, the same shirt would be perfectly acceptable on the rival college campus.
Ultimately, deviance is relative, so what is considered deviant for one group might not be deviant for another. For example, wearing a bikini in the United States isn't deviant as long as it is in an appropriate location, like the beach. However, in many Middle Eastern nations, women's bodies must be covered at all times. In some cases, even their faces must be covered.
Behaviors that are considered deviant are simply based on the norms and values of a particular culture. Most people learn concepts of "right" and "wrong" through their process of socialization. Some behaviors tend to be deviant for everyone. For example, murder is deviant everywhere in every society. However, issues such as alcohol consumption, types of clothing, gambling, etc., all depend on the groups and societies in which they are taking place.
Just like culture, it is important NOT to think about deviance as being "bad" or "good." Everyone is deviant at some point. Everyone has broken a rule at some point. Deviant behavior is relative, so it depends on the group of people in which the behavior is taking place. Try to practice being non-judgemental when thinking about deviant behaviors.
You must try to use your sociological imaginationThe ability to see and understand connections between large-scale social forces and personal experiences. to understand why certain behaviors are taking place rather than pass some sort of judgement on the behavior.
Thinking about deviance links back to the lessons you have already had on the variations and attitudes on culture. Sociology studies is all about gaining perspective to consider the variations within societies.
