Deviant Behavior
Deviant behaviour refers to actions, beliefs, or characteristics that violate the social norms or expectations of a particular society or group. These behaviours are considered different, unusual, or “deviant” from what is typically accepted as normal or appropriate within a given context.
Deviant behaviour can manifest in various forms, such as criminal activities, substance abuse, sexual misconduct, unconventional religious beliefs, nonconformity to gender or societal roles, or engaging in behaviours that challenge moral or ethical standards. The definition of deviance is subjective and varies across different cultures, societies, and historical periods.
It’s important to note that not all deviant behaviour is necessarily harmful or criminal. Some behaviours may be considered deviant simply because they challenge prevailing norms or expectations without causing harm to others. Additionally, what is considered deviant can change over time as societal values and attitudes shift. Thus, the study of deviant behaviour falls under the field of sociology and criminology, which aims to understand the causes, consequences, and social reactions to such behaviour.
What do you mean by Deviance?
Deviance refers to the act or state of deviating from the norm or the accepted standards of behaviour within a particular society or social group. It encompasses behaviours, beliefs, or characteristics that are considered different, unusual, or “deviant” from what is typically expected or approved.
Deviance is a relative concept because what is considered deviant can vary across different cultures, societies, and historical periods. It is not an inherent quality of an action or behaviour but is determined by social norms, values, and expectations. What may be considered deviant in one society or context may be perfectly acceptable or even valued in another.
Deviance can range from minor transgressions, such as breaking a minor social rule, to serious violations of the law or moral codes. It can include criminal behaviour, substance abuse, unconventional beliefs or practices, nonconformity to gender or societal roles, and other actions that challenge established norms.
The study of deviance seeks to understand why certain behaviours or characteristics are labelled as deviant, how social norms and values shape deviant behaviour, and the social reactions and consequences that arise from deviating from established norms.
The different Types of Deviant Behavior
Deviant behaviour can be categorized into various types based on different criteria. Here are some common types of deviant behaviour:
Countercultural or Subcultural Deviance: Countercultural or subcultural deviance refers to behaviours that are considered deviant within a specific counterculture or subculture but may not be deviant in the larger society. These behaviours challenge mainstream norms and values while conforming to the norms and values of a particular subculture. For example, certain punk or goth subcultures may engage in fashion, music, or lifestyle choices that are considered deviant from mainstream cultural norms.
Formal Deviance: Formal deviance refers to behaviours that violate explicitly codified rules and laws. These are acts that are considered illegal and are enforced by the legal system. Examples of formal deviance include theft, murder, assault, drug trafficking, or any other criminal activity that is punishable by law.
Informal Deviance: Informal deviance refers to behaviours that violate social norms but are not explicitly illegal. These are acts that are considered inappropriate or unacceptable within a particular social context or group. For instance, speaking loudly in a library or wearing inappropriate attire to a formal event may be considered examples of informal deviance.
Serial Deviance: Serial deviance refers to repeated engagement in deviant behaviours over time. It involves individuals who consistently and repeatedly engage in actions that are considered deviant. An example of serial deviance is a person who repeatedly commits acts of vandalism or engages in a pattern of petty theft.
Situational Deviance: Situational deviance refers to behaviours that are considered deviant only within specific situations or contexts. These behaviours may not be considered deviant in other circumstances. An example of situational deviance is a person who tells an inappropriate joke at a formal gathering where such humour is considered offensive but may be acceptable among close friends in a casual setting.
Primary Deviance: Primary deviance refers to initial and relatively minor acts of deviance that may not have a long-lasting impact on an individual’s self-identity or social status. It often goes unnoticed or is quickly dismissed. For example, a person engaging in occasional underage drinking during their teenage years without it significantly affecting their social standing or self-perception.
Secondary Deviance: Secondary deviance occurs when an individual’s identity and social roles become defined by their deviant behaviour. It happens when society labels and stigmatizes an individual based on their repeated engagement in deviant actions, leading to a self-perception of deviance. For instance, an individual who is caught and convicted of multiple instances of shoplifting may come to see themselves as a “career criminal” due to societal labelling.
Tertiary Deviance: Tertiary deviance refers to a situation where individuals or groups actively challenge and redefine behaviour that was previously labelled as deviant. It involves reclaiming deviant identities as positive or asserting that the behaviour is not deviant but rather an expression of identity or resistance against social norms. This can be seen, for example, in social movements that aim to challenge and change the perception of deviant behaviours, such as LGBTQ+ rights activism challenging societal norms around non-heteronormative sexuality.
These different types of deviant behaviour help in understanding the complexity and various dimensions of deviance in society.
Causes of Deviance
Deviant behaviour may be caused due to the individual inability or failure to conform to the social norms or the society’s failure to make its components follow the norms set by it as normal behaviour. The inability to conform may be the result of a mental or physical defect. On account of mental illness, a person is unable to perceive and respond to realities in an orderly and rational manner. Hence he becomes a social deviant. The causes of mental illness may be both physical and social. The stresses and strains of modern social life produce mental illness. But some people fail to conform even though they are physically and mentally capable of learning conventional behaviour. To explain such causes of deviation, some theories have been put forward. These are:
Physical-type theories: These theories seek to relate deviant behaviour with body type. Cesare Lombroso was of the view that certain body types are more given to deviant behaviour than others. Deviants were classified into physical types to explain their behaviour. A number of serious errors have been pointed out in the method of their classification.
Psychoanalytic theories: These theories attribute deviant behaviour to the conflicts in human personality. Sigmund Freud was a leading psychoanalytical theorist. He gave the concepts of id, ego and super-ego. Deviant behaviour is the result of conflicts between the id and the ego. The psychoanalytic theory is still improved by empirical research. Sometimes, culture frustrates biological drives and impulses, leading thereby to deviant behaviour. Thus our culture makes approved provisions for the satisfaction of sexual drives of the unmarried, widowed or separated.
Failure to Socialization: Both types of theories fail to explain deviant behaviour adequately. Everyone affected by physical or mental illness does not become a deviant; likewise, every member of a society who is frustrated by the clash of his biological drives with the taboos of this culture, but not everyone becomes a deviant. The social scientists are of the opinion that some persons are deviant because the socialization process has failed in some way to integrate the cultural norms and he behaves in an unexpected manner. His lapses are rare. Behaviour norms are mainly learnt in the family.
Cultural Conflicts: The society is an extremely heterogeneous society. There are many sets of norms and values which compete with one another. The family norms may come into conflict with the norms of trade unions. One religion teaches one thing, and another teaches a different thing. The school teaches respect and obedience. The party teaches resistance and secularism. The religious system teaches that one should be generous and self-sacrificing, but our economic system rewards those who are ruthless and selfish. Our formal mores demand chastity until marriage, but our films present too much sex. Young people are exposed to sexual literature. Thus cultural conflicts are a unique feature of the modern complex and changing society. They are found virtually in all societies.
Anomie: Anomie is a condition of normlessness. By normlessness, we do not mean that modern societies have no norms, instead it means that they have many sets of norms with none of them clearly binding on everybody. The individual does not know which norms to follow, whether to follow the norms of the family or of the school. Anomie thus arises from the confusion and conflict of norms. People in modern society move about too rapidly to be bound to the norms of any particular group.
In traditional societies, people were guided by a coherent set of traditions which they followed with little deviation. But modern society lacks coherent traditions, and different groupings have different norms. According to Durkheim, “when there is a sudden change, the normative structure of the regulating norms of society is slackened, hence, man does not know what is wrong or what is right, his impulses are excessive, to satisfy them, he seeks anomie”. The post-Soviet Union societies are a good example of this.
Personal Factors: Sometimes, personal factors may also be involved in the genesis of deviance. As a result of their particular experiences, many people acquire deviant attitudes and habits. An ugly face may deprive some people of the opportunity to participate in the affairs of the community. Some persons are so seriously affected by an experience that they isolate themselves from certain groups or situations. Thus some people may refuse to ride trains because of some accident in which they were involved. The sight of a dead man led Lord Buddha to renounce the crown. A mouse eating the food offered to the idol made Swami Dayanand a critic of idol-worship.
Social Location: The location of people in the social structure also causes deviant behaviour. The position a person occupies in the stratification system, his position in the age and sex structure of the society and his position in the special arrangements of the society make a difference in how he behaves. The life chances of people depend on the particular position they occupy in the society.
Can environmental factors contribute to deviant behaviour
The environmental factors can also contribute to deviant behaviour. Let us highlight some of the statements to support the answer:
Socialization: The environment in which individuals grow up and interact plays a crucial role in shaping their behaviour and attitudes. Socialization processes, such as family, peer groups, schools, and communities, can influence individuals to conform to or deviate from social norms. Dysfunctional or deviant environments that lack positive role models, promote antisocial behaviours, or expose individuals to violence or substance abuse can increase the likelihood of deviant behaviour.
Peer Influence: Peers have a significant impact on an individual’s behaviour, particularly during adolescence and young adulthood. If an individual is surrounded by peers who engage in deviant activities or endorse deviant beliefs, they may be more likely to adopt such behaviours themselves. Peer pressure, a desire for acceptance, and a need for belonging can lead individuals to engage in deviant behaviour they would not have otherwise considered.
Economic Disadvantage: Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to resources, can contribute to deviant behaviour. Economic disadvantage can create frustration, feelings of marginalization, and limited opportunities for advancement, leading some individuals to turn to deviant means to meet their needs or desires. This may include involvement in criminal activities, substance abuse, or other forms of deviance as a coping mechanism or a way to gain resources.
Neighbourhood and Community Factors: The characteristics of a person’s neighbourhood or community can also influence their likelihood of engaging in deviant behaviour. High crime rates, limited access to quality education or employment opportunities, social disorganization, and a lack of community resources can contribute to an environment that fosters deviant behaviour. Individuals growing up in such environments may face challenges that make them more susceptible to engaging in deviant acts.
Cultural and Media Influence: Cultural norms and values, as well as media portrayals, can shape perceptions of deviance and influence behaviour. Cultural factors, such as subcultures or countercultures, can provide alternative sets of norms that challenge mainstream expectations and contribute to deviant behaviour. Media, including television, movies, music, and the internet, can expose individuals to deviant behaviour, normalize certain forms of deviance, or glamorize criminal activities, potentially influencing their attitudes and behaviour.
Family Influence: The family environment and dynamics can significantly impact an individual’s behaviour. Dysfunctional family structures, neglect, abuse, or inconsistent discipline can increase the likelihood of deviant behaviour. Lack of parental supervision or involvement, parental substance abuse, or the presence of criminal behaviour within the family can contribute to deviance in children and adolescents.
Cultural and Structural Factors: Cultural norms, values, and structural inequalities within a society can shape deviant behaviour. For example, in societies where gender roles are rigidly defined, deviating from these expectations may be considered deviant. Similarly, structural factors such as discrimination, oppression, and systemic inequalities can create conditions that lead to deviant behaviour as a response to social injustice or as a form of resistance.
School Environment: Schools play a vital role in shaping behaviours and attitudes. Factors such as academic failure, low school attachment, bullying, violence, or inadequate support systems can contribute to deviant behaviour among students. Students who feel marginalized, excluded, or alienated within the school environment may be more likely to engage in deviant activities.
Media Influence: The media, including television, movies, video games, and social media, can expose individuals to deviant behaviour or normalize certain forms of deviance. Constant exposure to violent or deviant content can desensitize individuals and influence their behaviour and attitudes. Media can also provide role models or sources of identification for individuals engaging in deviant behaviour.
Institutional Factors: Certain institutional factors can contribute to deviant behaviour. For instance, within correctional facilities, individuals may engage in further deviant acts due to the influence of other incarcerated individuals or the lack of adequate rehabilitation programs. Similarly, within certain professions or organizations, deviant behaviour may be perpetuated due to a culture of corruption, unethical practices, or lack of accountability.
It’s important to note that while environmental factors can contribute to deviant behaviour, individual factors, such as genetics, personality traits, and personal choices, also play a role. Deviant behaviour is a complex interaction between individual characteristics and the environment in which they live.
Note on Different Causal Explanations of Deviant Behavior in Society
Understanding the causes of deviant behaviour is a complex task that involves examining various factors at the individual, interpersonal, and societal levels. Numerous theories and perspectives have been proposed to explain the underlying causes of deviance. Here, we will explore some of the key causal explanations of deviant behaviour in society:
Biological Explanations: Biological explanations suggest that certain biological or genetic factors contribute to deviant behaviour. These explanations focus on factors such as inherited traits, brain abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, or genetic predispositions that may increase the likelihood of engaging in deviant behaviour. Biological explanations emphasize the role of nature in shaping behaviour.
Psychological Explanations: Psychological explanations emphasize the role of individual psychological processes in deviant behaviour. These explanations focus on factors such as personality traits, abnormal development, mental disorders, cognitive biases, or unconscious motivations that may contribute to deviance. Psychological theories examine how individual experiences, traumas, or internal conflicts shape behaviour.
Sociological Explanations: Sociological explanations of deviant behaviour emphasize the social and cultural factors that influence individuals’ engagement in deviant acts. These explanations look at how social norms, socialization processes, social structures, inequality, or the influence of peer groups and subcultures contribute to deviance. Sociological theories highlight the role of nurture in shaping behaviour.
Strain Theory: Strain theory, rooted in sociology, posits that deviant behaviour occurs when individuals experience a strain between their aspirations for success and the limited opportunities available to them. The strain can lead to frustration, which may prompt individuals to engage in deviant behaviours as a means to achieve their goals or cope with the strain.
Social Control Theory: Social control theory suggests that individuals are motivated to conform to societal norms due to the presence of social bonds and attachments. Deviant behaviour occurs when these social bonds are weakened or absent, leading individuals to engage in deviance as a result of reduced social control.
Labelling Theory: Labeling theory focuses on the social reactions and labelling processes that contribute to deviance. According to this perspective, individuals may internalize and adopt deviant identities and behaviours as a response to being labelled as deviant by others. Labelling can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, reinforcing and perpetuating deviant behaviour.
Differential Association Theory: Differential association theory highlights the role of socialization and interpersonal interactions in the development of deviant behaviour. According to this theory, individuals learn deviant behaviours through their association with others who engage in such behaviour. If an individual is surrounded by peers or family members who engage in deviance, they are more likely to adopt deviant behaviour themselves.
Rational Choice Theory: Rational choice theory suggests that individuals engage in deviant behaviour when they weigh the potential rewards and costs associated with such actions. If the perceived benefits outweigh the perceived risks, individuals may choose to engage in deviance.
It’s important to note that the above explanations are not mutually exclusive, and multiple factors often interact to contribute to deviant behaviour. Different individuals may be influenced by different combinations of causal factors, and the relative importance of each factor may vary across contexts and individuals. Understanding the complex interplay of these causal explanations can provide insights into the multifaceted nature of deviant behaviour in society.
Post a Comment