Deviance And Lawbreaking: What's The Connection?

Deviance is a relative term that refers to actions or behaviours that violate widely accepted cultural norms within a society. While some forms of deviant behaviour are criminal, others are simply informal violations of social norms. For example, public nudity is considered deviant in most places, but is expected on nude beaches. Similarly, behaviours that are illegal in one place may not be deviant in another. For instance, while arranged marriages are the norm in many cultures, they would be considered deviant in Western societies.

The concept of deviance is important in sociology and criminology, as it helps to explain why certain behaviours are defined and reacted to as deviant, as well as how the labelling of deviance impacts individuals and groups.

Formal deviance

Sociologists generally view deviance as a formal property of social systems, rather than an attribute inherent in a person. In other words, deviance is seen as an inevitable part of all societies. When people live together, they establish common norms, and these norms are violated by some people. Societies then punish those people to maintain stability.

There are two main approaches to studying formal deviance: the constructionist approach and the explanatory approach. The constructionist approach sees deviance as "subjectively problematic" and focuses on how deviance is defined subjectively and culturally. Constructionists believe that a person can violate norms not only through certain actions but also through undesirable attitudes or characteristics. They also believe that deviance is relative to time and place.

On the other hand, the explanatory approach sees deviance as "objectively given" and focuses on understanding why non-normative behaviour occurs. Proponents of this approach do not believe that deviance is relative to time and place. They argue that certain behaviours have identifiable, universal properties. They often argue that the causes of crime are to be found in the environment of the criminal, rather than their individual traits.

Examples of formal deviance include:

• Murder
• Robbery
• Theft
• Rape
• Assault
• Cannibalism
• Child marriage
• Vigilantism

Informal deviance

• Picking your nose in public
• Speaking rudely to someone
• Jumping the queue
• Being disrespectful
• Staring at someone
• Littering
• Being disruptive in a quiet place, like a library or hospital
• Public displays of affection

Deviance and punishment

Deviance refers to actions or behaviours that violate widely-accepted cultural norms within a society. These norms can be formal, such as codified laws, or informal, such as social customs. Deviance can be further categorised into formal and informal types. Formal deviance refers to criminal acts that violate established laws, while informal deviance involves minor violations of unwritten rules of social life.

Punishment for deviance can also be formal or informal. Formal punishment for deviance can include fines, imprisonment, or even death. On the other hand, informal punishment does not result in legal repercussions but can include ridicule, ostracism, or negative social reactions such as disapproval and criticism.

The concept of deviance and punishment is relative and contextual, varying across different societies, cultures, and time periods. What is considered deviant in one society may not be deviant in another, and norms can change over time, leading to a shift in what is perceived as deviant behaviour.

The sociologist Émile Durkheim believed that deviance played a crucial role in a functioning society. He identified four important functions of deviance:

• Deviance affirms cultural values and norms by highlighting what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
• Deviance defines moral boundaries, as people learn right from wrong by understanding what is deemed deviant.
• Serious forms of deviance unite people, prompting them to react and respond collectively.
• Deviance challenges societal norms and pushes moral boundaries, which can lead to social change.

In summary, deviance and punishment are deeply intertwined concepts that are shaped by the social, cultural, and historical context of a society. The study of deviance and punishment falls within the realm of sociology, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of human behaviour and social order.

Deviance as a positive force for social change

Deviance, in sociology, refers to actions or behaviours that violate widely accepted cultural norms within a society. Deviance can be formal, such as breaking a law, or informal, such as violating an unwritten rule of social life. While deviance often has negative connotations, it can also be a positive force for social change.

Firstly, deviance can lead to social change by pushing society's moral boundaries. Émile Durkheim, a sociologist and functionalist, argued that deviance was a normal and necessary part of social organisation. He claimed that deviance affirms cultural values and norms, as any definition of virtue rests on an opposing idea of vice. Deviance also defines moral boundaries, as people learn right from wrong by defining certain behaviours as deviant. Further, a serious form of deviance can unite people to react in the same way against it. Finally, deviance pushes society's moral boundaries, which can lead to social change.

Secondly, deviance can be a positive force for social change when it challenges existing social norms and brings about positive transformation. For example, Gandhi is often credited with helping to end British rule in India through his deviant behaviour of leading peaceful protests and civil disobedience. In this case, deviance served as a catalyst for social progress and the advancement of equality.

Thirdly, the concept of positive deviance (PD) highlights how individuals within a community can engage in unusual behaviours that allow them to solve problems more effectively than others facing similar challenges, despite not having additional resources or knowledge. The PD approach has been applied in various fields, including nutrition, healthcare, and education, to bring about positive social change. For instance, in the 1990s, a PD initiative in Vietnam successfully reduced childhood malnutrition by identifying and adopting uncommon but successful strategies practised by well-nourished children in impoverished communities.

Finally, deviance can lead to social change by challenging power dynamics and addressing social inequality. Conflict theory, a sociological perspective, views society as a system of power relationships in conflict with one another. According to this theory, deviant behaviour arises from social inequality, as individuals with less power may engage in deviance to challenge the existing social order. Thus, deviance can be a form of rebellion or resistance against oppressive structures, potentially leading to social change that promotes greater equality and justice.

Deviance as a relative concept

Deviance is a relative concept that is dependent on the time, place, and audience of an act. It is defined as behaviour that violates widely accepted cultural norms within a society, and these norms differ across societies and time periods. For instance, public schools in the United States previously had strict dress codes that banned women from wearing trousers to class, but today, it is more socially acceptable for women to wear trousers than it is for men to wear skirts.

Sociologist Howard Becker defines deviance as relative, stating that "the deviant is one to whom that label has been successfully applied; deviant behaviour is behaviour that people so label". This definition highlights the subjective nature of deviance, as it is dependent on the successful application of a label by a particular audience.

The relativity of deviance can be further understood through the concept of situational deviance, where behaviour is considered deviant in one situation but not in others. For example, public nudity is generally considered deviant, but it is expected and acceptable on nude beaches. Similarly, the use of profanity is only considered deviant in certain settings, such as at work or school.

The perception of deviance is also influenced by the circumstances in which an act occurs. For instance, jovial behaviours like speaking loudly or telling jokes at a funeral would be considered deviant and disrespectful, but these same behaviours would be acceptable and encouraged at a social gathering after the funeral.

In addition, the understanding of social norms and the collective perception of deviance change over time. For example, the use of marijuana was accepted as a medicinal and recreational substance in the United States until the early 1900s when it became associated with immigrants from Mexico and was subsequently prohibited and regulated.

Furthermore, deviance can be categorised into formal and informal types. Formal deviance refers to behaviour that violates formally enacted laws and often results in criminal punishment. On the other hand, informal deviance involves minor violations of unwritten rules of social life, such as social norms and expectations.

Overall, the concept of deviance is relative and fluid, shaped by societal norms, cultural contexts, and the perceptions of specific audiences.

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