What is deviance?

Deviance is defined as behavior that violates social norms or expectations. This includes actions, attitudes, or beliefs that differ from the accepted standards of a community or society. Deviance can range from mild infractions, like dressing differently, to more serious violations, such as criminal activities. The key factor that distinguishes deviant behavior is its divergence from the collective norms that govern acceptable behavior within a specific social group.

Understanding deviance is crucial in sociology as it helps analyze how societies establish norms and how individuals interact with those norms. It highlights the social control mechanisms that are in place to discourage deviant behavior and the various responses to such behavior, which can include legal repercussions, social stigma, or even acceptance in some cases. Thus, the identification of deviance is not merely about legality but rather revolves around the social context and the norms that are prevalent within a society.