Deviancy
What is Deviancy? Deviancy (or deviance) refers to behaviors, actions, or beliefs that violate societal norms or expectations. While not all deviant behaviors are crimes, they often challenge what society considers acceptable. Deviance can be either positive or negative, depending on the cultural and social context. Types of Deviance: 1. Formal Deviance – Violations of official laws or rules (often considered crimes). Examples: Theft, assault, fraud, drug use. 2. Informal Deviance – Violations of social norms that are not necessarily illegal but may be frowned upon. Examples: Dressing in an unusual way, interrupting someone while they speak, public rudeness. Perspectives on Deviance: 1. Structural-Functionalism (Durkheim) – Deviance is necessary for society because it helps define moral boundaries and can lead to social change. 2. Conflict Theory (Marxist View) – Deviance is a result of social inequality, where laws and norms benefit the powerful and punish the weak. 3. Symbolic I...