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The Social Roots of Deviant Behavior and Its Relativity in Society Essay

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Introduction

A person as a part of society develops among many environmental factors and under their influence. Established norms, rules, and duties perform a regulatory and directive role in controlling relationships. Non-compliance with these norms results in the emergence of deviant behavior. Identifying one as deviant lie in the relativity of the norms it violates.

However, the question of the origin of deviant behavior is ambiguous. Deviant behavior is a consequence of social processes and their influence on human consciousness rather than an individual phenomenon.

Theories of Deviant Behavior

In society, it is customary to condemn violations of established norms and approve their observance. Depending on the degree of reaction to the manifestation of deviant behavior, the concept of relativity is determined. That is, the same actions can be typical for one group of people and entirely unacceptable for another (Curra 2). The essence of relativity is manifested in the fact that society perceives no human actions objectively. All behavior is analyzed and evaluated through the prism of the established norms. Interestingly, those rules deeply rooted in consciousness and taken for granted are also a subjective product of society’s development.

Deviant Behavior as Individual Pathologies

Some sociologists hold the view that deviant behavior is the result of individual pathologies. According to this theory, deviations from behavioral norms arise due to psychological disorders or dysfunctions. This view is dubious since a person’s deviation from the norm is not genetically inherent. However, the theory of deviant behavior as a product of individual pathology states that a person is likely to be predisposed to breaking the rules. Thus, according to this view, criminal behavior is directly related to a person’s physical characteristics. Although many sociologists share these views, I cannot fully agree with the theory of the individual nature of deviant human behavior.

Deviant Behavior and Social Influence

Supporters of a different view on the nature of deviant behavior are convinced that it is a consequence of social influence. Person and situation exist interrelatedly and exert corresponding influence (Sutherland 185). That is, a set of external factors form a person, his system of values and beliefs. Accordingly, her behavior will correspond to these aspects. I agree that a person exists and functions in the environment and under its influence. Manifestations of deviant behavior appear in response to external stimuli. Thus, sociocultural factors directly affect the probability of deviation from norms. Accordingly, society objectively assesses the normality or appropriateness of an individual’s actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a person exists in a system and is influenced by social, cultural, historical, and other factors. A person’s behavior deviating from the established norms is considered deviant. However, the degree of abnormality of specific actions of an individual is relative; that is, society evaluates it subjectively.

On the one hand, the cause of deviation from the norm is individual human pathologies. On the other hand, manifestations of deviant behavior depend on social factors. I adhere to the last determination because I am convinced that the development and actions of a person are formed under the influence of society.

Works Cited

Curra, John. The Dynamic Nature of Deviance. Sage Publications, 2002.

Sutherland, Edwin H. Differential association. Anderson Publishing, 1998.

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IvyPanda. 2024. "The Social Roots of Deviant Behavior and Its Relativity in Society." November 7, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-social-roots-of-deviant-behavior-and-its-relativity-in-society/.

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IvyPanda. "The Social Roots of Deviant Behavior and Its Relativity in Society." November 7, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-social-roots-of-deviant-behavior-and-its-relativity-in-society/.

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