2007-01-14 02:19:48 · 11 answers · asked by ashnadpersaud 1 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
Curiosity!
2007-01-14 12:23:14 · answer #1 · answered by tim b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A better question would be, 'What is deviance?'
Chances are, if you were to ask someone whom you consider to be a deviant, why they are a deviant, they would look at you confusedly and respond: 'Eh what? I'm not a deviant!'
Much like beauty, deviance is in the eyes of the beholder. Unfortunately, because people generally have societally instilled inhibitions, individualism is only accepted within a very narrow range of 'the norm'. And because we don't live in a society where individualism is truly accepted, many people who choose not to conform to the society's definition of 'normal' are labelled as deviants.
This is best illustrated by way of a comparitive example.
Consider the guy that manages an office, shagging his secretary while his wife sits at home and looks after their child.
Who is he hurting? His wife and child. But is he considered a deviant? Not by society. A bastard, perhaps, by some. But a deviant? No.
Now consider the guy who enjoys wearing dresses. He's single, and staying that way until he finds a partner who shares his interest, and with which he can have a meaningful monogamous relationship.
Who is he hurting? No-one. Is he considered a deviant? Yes.
Why is he considered a deviant? He's not hurting anyone, and in fact may well be a much better person and partner than the first guy. But he's considered a deviant, simply because he enjoys dressing in clothing designed for the opposite gender.
Compounding this issue, is the fact that girls who wear cross-gender clothing (shirts, pants, etc) are considered quite normal. They are not labelled as deviants, because society doesn't consider that there is anything wrong with what they are doing.
So, if society can't agree on how the term 'deviance' is defined, or if that societal definition is contradicted by other societal beliefs, how is it possible to determine the causes of a 'condition' that society itself cannot define?
2007-01-14 10:51:29 · answer #2 · answered by ♂ « Hybrid » ♀ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to R.K.Merton deviance is due to inconsistency between socially accepted goals and culturally prescribed means.
2007-01-16 23:40:31 · answer #3 · answered by ruby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Individuality is what others consider deviance. Merely by being true to yourself instead of being a mindless follower of others, society labels you as "deviant". I personally consider it a compliment when others refer to me as deviant, as this means that I'm intelligent enough to decide things for myself rather than having to follow someone else's dogma.
2007-01-14 19:10:07 · answer #4 · answered by shaunmhardy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Boredom
2007-01-14 04:50:40 · answer #5 · answered by Cracker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The lack of socially acceptable behavior patterns learned as a child.
2007-01-14 03:36:43 · answer #6 · answered by Clown Knows 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Peer pressure,poverty.
2007-01-14 02:28:55 · answer #7 · answered by thresher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A different outlook than others.
2007-01-14 02:30:29 · answer #8 · answered by Beau R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The place where you live, the people you grow up with, your family, drug/alochol dependancies....
2007-01-14 05:59:19 · answer #9 · answered by Aisha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A desire to break away from the norm.
2007-01-14 03:00:36 · answer #10 · answered by nunya 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋