Can behaviors be divided in deviant/non-deviant? Who makes the decision about how to classify behavior--societ

Answer 1

Sociologically, IMO the answer is "no, unless you are talking about a society with strongly structured and clearly defined roles and taboos". In our Western society, the 'norms' are unwritten and flexible because of our cultural diversity / melting pot / multiculturalism. Some behaviours are illegal, but some of these are arguably not deviant -- e.g. driving while intoxicated, or smoking in a non-smoking area. The use of the word "deviant" may well be declining altogether. It tends to be applied to behaviours of young people which the older generation consider anti-social and/or threatening, such as hanging around on street corners wearing hoods. The word obviously implies divergence from a majority-held 'normal' and is I guess used in this way by the popular press and broadcasters. But, no, there is no "classification of deviant behaviors", not even in the Devil's Manual, oops psychiatrists' bible, DSM-IV.

Answer 2

I would say that behavioral scientists, profilers, psychologists~that group set the guidelines, but they go way way back, and now there are umpteen different categories of 'disorders', types. It is definitely fascinating: but it's hella scary too.

Answer 3

Different societies have made their own laws and regulations ,so you and me classify the behaviors according our knowledges about our societies.

Answer 4

Every person and every society makes their own decision about what they regard as deviancy amongst their midst...

Answer 5

i do