social deviance

Social deviance refers to behaviors, beliefs, or conditions that violate societal norms or expectations. What is considered deviant can vary across cultures and contexts, but generally, it involves actions that challenge accepted standards, eliciting social disapproval or sanctions. Deviance helps societies define boundaries of acceptable behavior, but it can also prompt social change. It is important to recognize that not all deviant behavior is harmful; some may be harmless or even beneficial, while others can be harmful or illegal. Deviance is a complex concept that reflects the ongoing dynamics of social norms and values.