Social Deviance Essay

Candace Parker
Sociology (1:40)
          The sociology of deviance is the sociological study of deviant behavior, or the recognized violation of cultural norms. Essentially the 'norm' is a summation of typical activities and beliefs of group of people. Sociology asserts that deviance is problematic, yet essential and intrinsic to any conception of Social Order. It is problematic because it disrupts but is essential because it defines the confines of our shared reality.   It is intrinsic to a conception of order in that defining what is real and expected, defining what is acceptable, and defining who we are always is done in opposition to what is unreal, unexpected, or unacceptable. Sociologically, deviance can be construed as a label used to maintain the power, control, and position of a dominant group. With that being said, deviance is the creator and demolisher of criminality.
          In a sense, deviance causes criminality because some people feel the need to protest the ‘rules of society norms’. Some people feel the need to go against the right or wrongs to prove that we as people have a voice to think for ourselves. Although a level of deviance is tolerated. Deviance is a negotiated order. Deviance violates some groups assumptions about reality (social order). It violates expectations. The definition of deviance defines the threat and allows for containment and control of the threat. The definition of deviance preserves, protects, and defines group interests and in doing so maintains a sense of normalcy. Deviance can consequently be seen as a product of Social Interaction; the result of setting boundaries and limitations, rules and laws, acceptable and unacceptable.   I truly do not believe that there is a simple explanation or theory to deviance because what might be considered deviant in one part of the world might not be defined as deviant in another.