Deviance Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Deviance?

Deviance is a term used to describe behavior that goes against social norms and expectations. Deviance can range from minor violations of norms, such as using slang in a formal setting, to more serious violations, such as violence or theft. Deviance is often viewed negatively in society and can lead to ostracism and discrimination.Social deviance is a broad term that encompasses many different types of behaviors. It includes both criminal behavior and non-criminal behavior. Criminal deviance includes activities like murder, burglary, drug dealing, and other forms of aggression that violate laws. Non-criminal deviance involves activities such as wearing unconventional clothing or hairstyles, engaging in deviant sexual practices (such as BDSM), or refusing to conform to gender norms (e.g., cross-dressing).Deviant behavior can be caused by a variety of factors including biological, psychological, cultural and structural factors. Biological causes include genetic predispositions towards certain behaviors; for example some research suggests that people with certain gene variants may be more prone to aggression or impulsivity than others without those gene variants. Psychological causes can include mental illness or personality disorders which can affect an individual’s ability to control their impulses or make rational decisions about their actions; for example someone who has difficulty controlling their anger may be more likely to act out violently than someone who does not have the same difficulty controlling their anger. Cultural factors refer to beliefs and values held by groups within society; these could influence what behaviors are seen as acceptable or unacceptable within a given culture (for example promiscuous sex might be accepted in one culture but not in another). Structural factors refer to how members of society are treated differently based on things like class status or race; this could influence how likely individuals are the engage in deviant behavior since they feel marginalized or excluded from mainstream society which might lead them towards behaviors seen as socially unacceptable by the majority group within society but meaningful for themselves if it allows them express themselves in ways they otherwise wouldn’t have access too due oppressive social structures. Overall there is no single cause of deviance it often results from complex interplay between biological psychological cultural an structural forces. It’s important for individuals societies an governments address these underlying issues instead of simply punishing those who violate norms since punishment only serves mask underlying problems rather than solve them .