Deviant
Behavior
I.) What is “Deviance”?
Definition: any behavior that goes against the norm of a given society
- varies from group to group/ society to society
Deviance can be Positive or Negative:
• Positive Deviance- overconfomity to norms
• Negative Deviance- behavior that goes
against accepted norms
II.) Who is a “Deviant”?
Definition: anyone who violates any significant social norm of a
given society
Reaction to Deviants:
• negative response
• attempts to control behavior
• attempts to change behavior
III.) How to Prevent Deviance?
Social Control: ways to promote conformity to the norms of a
given society
Two Types:
• Internal: behavior that results from values,
beliefs, morals (knowing right from wrong)
• External: social behavior based on social
sanctions (rewards/punishments)
IV.) Cost and Benefits of Deviance
Cost of Deviance
(Negatives)
Benefits of Deviance
(Positives)
Cost and Benefits of Deviance
Cost of Deviance
(Negatives)
Benefits of Deviance
(Positives)
• Deviance erodes trust
• Deviance clarifies norms
• Deviance, If not
corrected/punished, can result
in nonconformity of others
• Deviance can be a temporary
safety valve
• Deviance stimulates more
deviance
• Deviance is expensive
• Deviance increases unity
within a society or group
•Deviance promotes needed
social change