This document discusses the meaning and types of deviance. It defines deviance as behavior that does not conform to social norms and expectations. There are several types of deviants discussed, including freaks, criminals, sick individuals, and aliens. Deviance is a relative concept that depends on social and cultural norms. It can occur at the individual or group level. Causes of deviance include lack of socialization, weak sanctions, and rationalization of violating norms. While deviance involves social disapproval, crime is a formal violation of legal codes that is punished by law enforcement.

1. Dr. Anil Bhatt
Assistant Professor
Dept of Sociology

2. MEANING OF DEVIANCE
Human social behaviour displays itself in two ways:-
a) Conformity to Social Norms
b) Non-Conformity to Social Norms which is accepted
by major part of society(DEVIANCE)
“It can be said that Deviance is an abnormal
divergence, departure, discrepancy or irregular
behaviour against the usual way of doing things in
Society.”

3. Definition
 Erving Goff man- All Social actors are deviants
in some or the other way
 Horton & Hunt- The term deviance is given to
any failure to conform to customary norms
 Louise Weston- It is a behaviour that is
contrary to the standards of conduct or social
expectations of society.
Deviance is an act of going against group shared
Expectations.

4. Basis of Deviance
1- Existence of Social norms/standards
2- Awareness of Social Norms
3-Deliberate/ Intentional Violation of social norm
4- Deviance may be positively
sanctioned(Scientist challenging the rules of
discipline)
5- Deviance could be negatively
sanctioned(Murder)
6- Deviance might simply be accepted/tolerated
without reward or punishment(Eccentrics)

5. Types of Deviant
 Freaks (Eccentric)- Mentally deranged
 Sinful or Heretic- A person acting against traditional
religious doctrines
 Criminals- They are defined as per legal codes of
Criminal Law based on punishment
 Sick- The reaction of society towards them changes
from punitive to treatment or
reformation(Alcoholic, Drug addicts)
 Alienated-Social Drop-outs,( hippies) leading to
loneliness or suicides and addicts

6. Characteristics of Deviance
 Distancing away from accepted social norms
 Inappropriate behaviour violating appropriate
social conduct based on social values.
 Deviance can take place both from individual
and social level.
 Deviance is Relative- Idea of normalcy is
culturally determined. It may vary from place to
place.
 Deviance brings about the need of social
control

7. Causes of Deviance
 Lack of Proper Socialisation
 Weak Sanctions
 Poor enforcement of Law
 Ease of Rationalisation
 Ambivalence of agents of social control(family,
police, doctor contradicting their social roles)
 Secrecy of Violations (sex crimes, abortions)
 Conflict between id(instinct), ego, and Super-
ego
 Sentiments of Loyalty towards deviant groups.

8. Relativity of Deviance
Action Not Deviant for Deviant for
DRUGS PHARMACISTS DRUG PEDDLERS
SEX MARRIED UNMARRIED
DATING UNMARRIED MARRIED
DRINKING BEER WINNING FOTBALL
TEAM
PRIEST

9. DEVIANCE AND CRIME
DEVIANCE CRIME
Violation of social norms Violation of criminal ;aw
Agents of social control is social
reaction, pressure or will of God
Agents of social control are Police,
Judiciary and Law enforcement
agencies
No coercive Power Deals with coercive power
Informal Violation of Social norms Formal Violation of legal codes
Not considered to be severe in nature Considered severe in nature
Deviant is not punished but gets
criticism, ridicule, stigma, social
rejection or boycott
Criminal is punished by Law
Deviance is defined by members of
society
Crime is defined by Law

10. THANK
YOU