Deviant behavior is a behavior that is different from others. It occurs because of non conformity with the norms. Deviance is behavior that goes against dominant norms of the society. It is, however, socially constructed, it is not just only a matter of individual personal choice, and is an inherent part of the society. Crime, however, represents form of deviance in which societies impose some penalties. Deviance is, however, dependent on the culture, and is constructed socially. This can be analyzed from the fact that Emile Durkheim (1966, p 263) mentioned that crime, which is a form of deviance is normal in the society. According to Durkheim, every member of society is expected to do certain things that are against beliefs and values of the society. Deviant behavior is strengthened by choice of individuals to remain stick to such behaviors.
Deviance takes place because of the inequality in the society. There is inequality prevailing in the workplaces in the society. Lopez, Hodson & Roscigno (2009, p. 285) indicated that there are power differentials and abusive behavior in the workplace, which are giving rise to interpersonal conflict, and is becoming a cause of deviance. Power differentials in the society are becoming a cause of conflict as a result of which deviant behaviors are emerging in the society. However, low social status and powerlessness are also a major reason of deviance in the society. Low status in the society and powerlessness are also a cause of victimization and is affecting dignity of work in the organizations because of which deviant behaviors are increasing in the society.
Deviance is, however, becoming unavoidable under power arrangement in the capitalistic society. Deviant behavior in the society is also because of personal anguish. It is linked with mental illness (Rosenhan, 1973). Such behaviors and mental disorders occur in the society because of differences in individuals, and are pointing out towards the fact that deviance is constructed socially. The concept of power also play important role in explaining about deviant and non deviant behavior. In this argument it is considered that certain powerful groups in the society mention that some actions are deviant, and have capability of imposing their explanation of normality on others. Deviance is, however, not much about what an individual do, but it is about what other individuals object about the acts.
Furthermore, law indicates current opinion regarding right and wrong. Some members of the society are, however, in agreement concerning seriousness of deviant act. For example, students who cheat in their exams find excuses for their deviant behaviors in order to avoid guild (Labeff, Clark, Haines & Diekhoff, 1990, p. 304). It is found that students have some set rules and guidelines for behaviors that are determined socially. Some students were even not found guilty of what they are doing, though they agreed that cheating is not an ethical practice. Society is, however, also considered as a product of social interactions. So, individuals learn behaviors from their interactions with others in the society. Further, deviance is considered as healthy for all societies that are functioning normally. It is considered that individuals are socialized in order to understand norms and beliefs of society in an effectual manner, but as a matter of fact they are not socialized fully. Social construction of deviance can also be considered from the fact that every culture or society form rules of behavior with the help of which people are analyzed, governed, and controlled. However, ideology is a significant aspect in social construction of deviance, as it is an important variable in defining and explaining behavior as deviant or non deviant. It is not only ideology, but ability of people to impose their ideas regarding normality.
Deviance is considered as an inherent part of society that is functioning. Deviance and conformity to norms is determined by assessment to socially acceptable goals. An example of this fact is that an individual may have socially acceptable objective of achieving financial success, but he may lack a socially acceptable way of reaching goals. People, who select not to conform, show deviant behavior, they achieve their goals by going against socially accepted means. Further, some people who innovate achieve things via undesirable and illegitimate ways by using deviant and criminal means. Some people reject and retreat their means and goals of society. However, some people rebel, and replace goals and means of society with their own objectives. This can be considered from an example that freedom fighters and terrorist focus on overthrowing goals of society via socially unacceptable means. Some acts of people are inherently deviant. Those who deviate are recognized as well as identified socially.
Deviants, however, break the law purposefully, and they are aware that they are breaking law. Deviance takes place when there is selfish and dishonest element of human nature is involved. Deviance is also regarded as inherent part of the society because it is dependent on place, time, and status of an individual. At some place and time, some behaviors can be regarded as deviant, and some can be regarded as typical behaviors. People in power play their role in determining deviant behaviors, and also they exert their impact on determining punishment for deviant behavior. Some individuals are regarded as having deviant behaviors as they do not fit into the norms and values of dominant system prevailing in the society.
Further, the definition of deviance also differs, which is because it is dependent on the context and situation in which it occurs. If same behavior is placed in different social context, then perceptions regarding deviancy of behavior change. Behavior can be deviant and conventional depending on where it took place, and under which conditions it took place. People make a conscious choice of involving in behavior that is socially deviant. Much deviance is, however, because of emotions, and also it is encouraged by family and friends, and occur because of disagreement with norms. Some people are fully aware of deviant behaviors, but they are compelled by their selfish nature to commit acts that are not permissible socially. Members of society consider some acts deviant by defining behaviors as deviant.
In conclusion deviance is socially constructed, and it is inherent in the society. This is because of inequality in the society, and also because of power arrangements, which are not allowing smooth functioning in the society. Some powerful people exert their influence and define certain things deviance as a result of which deviance occurs in the society. Deviants are aware of deviant acts, and they break law purposefully and knowingly. Deviance is because of selfish and dishonest element in human nature.
References
Durkheim, E. (1966). The Normality of Crime. From the Rules of Sociological Methods
Labeff, E.E., Clark, R.E., Haines, V.J., & Diekhoff, G.M. (1990). Situational Ethics and College Student Cheating
Lopez, S.H., Hodson, R., & Roscigno, V.J. (2009). Power, Status, and Abuse at Work. General and Sexual Harassment
