Cultural Deviance Theory

Cultural Deviance Theory suggests that criminal behavior arises when individuals adopt the values, norms, and customs of subcultures that differ from mainstream society, often those that promote or tolerate deviance. Essentially, it posits that people’s behavior is shaped by the cultural environment they are part of, and if they are embedded in groups that prize illegal or harmful activities, they are more likely to engage in such behaviors themselves. This theory highlights how cultural influences and peer groups can contribute to criminality, emphasizing the importance of social context in understanding deviance.