Outline and explain the meaning of the term deviancy (15 marks)
Deviance is a sociological term that literally means to stray or digress from the normal. Sociologists tend to view deviant behaviour as acts, which provoke a sense of public disapproval. Deviant behaviour is also frequently subject to some form of sanction that serves to promote conformity.
The definition of deviance varies from sociologist as deviancy is a complex concept. Clinard and Meier (2001) developed four definitions of deviance including statistical, absolutist, reactivist and normative.
Anthony Giddens (1993) defines deviance as “non-conformity to a given norm, or set of norms, which are acceptable by a significant number of people in a community or society.” Whereas Downs and Rock (1998) claim that deviancy is “banned or controlled behaviour which is likely to attract punishment or approval” and finally, Wickmen (1991) states that “behaviour that violates the standards of conduct or expectations of a group or society” is deviant.
Ken Plummer defines where there is a broad consensus that an act is wrong as normative deviance, where deviancy is an act which violates prevailing norms, or cultural standards prescribing how humans ought to behave normally. Plummer also defines situational deviance as occurring when deviant behaviour is understandable in its context, such as running naked from a burning building.
The rules of each society vary; this is a basic sociological and anthropological concept known as cultural relativity. A deviant is a person who breaks the rules of a society; these are norms, mores and values that the culture holds as important. This makes it almost is possible to define any act as deviant as such an act is only deviant depending upon the following cultural variables; what the act was, when it took place (location in time), who committed the act and where (location)