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Preferred term

deviance  

Definition

  • Deviance can be defined as behavior or activities that break generally shared social norms. This simple definition belies a number of complexities: Is behavior still deviant if the norm breaking is not visible to any one else or is not sanctioned by others? Given the plurality of social life, can it be said that there is widespread agreement on social norms? In reality, there is more likely to be disagreement on appropriate behavior, standards, and expectations. [Source: Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment; Deviance]

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URI

https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/deviance

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