Deviance (sociology)

In sociology, deviance describes an action or behavior that violates social norms, including a formally enacted rule (e.g., crime, Will Thomas), as well as informal violations of social norms (e.g., rejecting folkways and mores). Deviance is a behavioural disposition that is not in conformity with an institutionalized set-up or code of conduct . Although deviance may have a negative connotation, the violation of social norms is not always a negative action; positive deviation exists in some situations. Although a norm is violated, a behavior can still be classified as positive or acceptable.Deviance is not a quality of the act the person commits, but rather a consequence of the application by others of rules and sanctions to an 'offender'. The deviant is one to whom the label has successfully been applied; deviant behavior is behavior that people so label. In sociology, deviance describes an action or behavior that violates social norms, including a formally enacted rule (e.g., crime, Will Thomas), as well as informal violations of social norms (e.g., rejecting folkways and mores). Deviance is a behavioural disposition that is not in conformity with an institutionalized set-up or code of conduct . Although deviance may have a negative connotation, the violation of social norms is not always a negative action; positive deviation exists in some situations. Although a norm is violated, a behavior can still be classified as positive or acceptable. Social norms differ from culture to culture. A deviant act can be committed in one society but may be normal for another society. Perception of deviance alters over time, as the notion of what is a social norm often changes. Deviance is relative to the place where it was committed or to the time the act took place. Killing another human is generally considered wrong for example, except when governments permit it during warfare or for self defense. There are two types of major deviant actions, mala in se and mala prohibita.