Deviant Behavior is defined as the behavior that fails to conform to the rules or norms of the group in question. The definition does not enumerate which acts are considered deviant and which acts are considered normal. This definition highlights the problematic character of deviant behavior which is its relativity. Thus it is possible that one society may consider a behavior to be normal while another society may consider the same behavior to be deviant. It is also possible that the same society which considers a behavior to be normal may later on consider the same behavior to be deviant.
Examples of Relative Deviant Behavior
Drinking beer is a behavior which can be considered as either a normal behavior or a deviant behavior. For a group of priests who had just seen each other after a long time drinking beer or alcohol can be considered a deviant behavior which may cause the society to question their behavior. On the other hand, it is acceptable to drink beer and wine for a group of basketball players who seeks to celebrate their victory and their championship.
Going out on a date is also a relative term that can be classified as a normal behavior or a deviant behavior. For an individual who is single and available, going out on date with individuals of the opposite sex is a normal behavior. However, for a married man or a woman going out on a date is considered a deviant behavior which society may condemn.
Engaging in sexual intercourse with the opposite sex is a behavior that can be classified either as a normal behavior or a deviant behavior. For married couples, engaging in sexual intercourse is a normal behavior as it is the primary purpose of marriage to copulate. However, for priests or individuals below the age of 15, engaging in sexual intercourse is a deviant behavior which the society considers as unacceptable.
Examples of Absolutely Deviant Behavior
It should be stressed, however, that though sociologists emphasize the relative nature of deviant behavior, there are some acts which are universally accepted as deviant behavior. If the deviant behavior transgresses the law then the act is considered a deviant behavior regardless of one’s culture or norm. For example, sexual relationship between a father and his daughter is incestuous which is universally accepted as a deviant and considered as an illegal behavior. Another example is genocide or the willful and deliberate killing of specific groups of people which is not only universally considered as deviant but is also against the law.
This is a free sociology essay on the relativity of deviant behavior. If you need help writing your essays on deviant behavior, we will help you prepare your essays, research papers and term papers at a very affordable cost of $7.45/page.
Did you find our blog post informative? You do not have to do research on your topic again!
If you are interested to subscribe to our email club fill out our form by clicking on the the link below
https://madmimi.com/signups/join/45349
to receive the most current and up to date information about your topic!
