DEVIANCE SOCIETY

How and Why does Deviance shape Society

Introduction

Deviant behavior involves a violation of social customs which are usually, unacceptable by the certain minority communities and forced them to defy the traditional norms and customs in society established by the majority race or ethnicity. Such behavioral acts can be categorized as crimes during some occasions. Majority of Americans believes that indulging in alcoholism, public nudity, stealing, prostitution etc; as deviant (www.cliffsnotes.com).

A social norm varies from culture to culture. The example of this is that societies have different social norms it is not necessary that all societies follow the same norms. Breaking of social norm in one society can lead to deviance act, but the breaking of same norm in other society does not matter. Sociologists view deviance as a violation of social norms, but the people who break such norms considered themselves as acquiring an alternative path to project their identity in order to gain social acceptance in society (Bonnie, O'Connel, 2004).

How and Why Deviancy impact society

According to the Edwin Sutherland's Differential Association theory of Deviance, the role of environment and scoeity is a major factor through which people learn to violate established norms. Sociologists generally accept the fact that an individual's attitudes and behaviors are shaped by the social group in which he is a prominent member and the character of a person revolves around them. This reference group provides norms and set the standard of living for each member. This reference group may include parents, siblings, friends, relatives, teachers, co-workers, media etc (Bonnie, O'Connel, 2004).

Social deficiency has the potential to influence the social order of any society by turning its members into deviants. For instance, the emergence of black culture along with civil rights movement in the 60's (which supported women, gay and ethnic al rights) persuaded the ...