While the definition of deviance may appear obvious, this is not necessarily the case for the sociology community. The sociology of deviance contains definitions of an extensive nature, which are branched off into several perspective groups. For example, sociologist Erving Goffman applies the concept of stigma, or more commonly, labeling; stating that ones behavior and actions deemed deviant are applied by others (Turner, 1996). Howard Becker’s definition seems to be commonly accepted as an adequate descript

In looking at a variety of perspectives on deviance, several things become clear. Deviance is relative. One would have to accept the concept of order and the social system, if one were to accept deviance. Clearly, when a teenager decides his dye his or her hair blue and pierce a nostril, which is a sign of conformity. Many older individuals may look at those persons and consider it the epitome of deviant behavior. On the other hand there is probably no greater evidence of conformity than to look at adolescent behavior when trying to be accepted. It is quite ironic that the greatest evidence for the existence of conformity and stability is in deviance itself. The motivation for deviance in fact, is something due to conformity when someone wants to be accepted into a subcultural group. In any event, one can conclude that there is a rational order to every society, and that it simply gets of coarse and occasionally changes. Society has been around a great deal longer than technology, and social systems will not likely change simply due to innovations. It may appear that post modernism may have in fact made a significant change, but the differences are only minor when one looks at the big picture.

The societal reaction perspective includes several theories of deviance, including labeling of the social construction of deviance. In looking at how society views deviant behavior, one also may credit reaction with causing deviance itself. For example, consistent with the labeling theory, a boy that we will call “Derrick” is considered “bad” when he is six years old, and goes through school under that label. Later, his second grade teacher is made aware of his misbehavior as a young child, and treats him as if he were still deviant. Derrick has been stigmatized at an early age due to label. The labeling theory is one way to explain how deviance is socially constructed.

Anomie draws upon the notion that the fragmenting effect of modern industry, village, kinship, and social authority, leaves a society without a set structure of norms. The widespread chaos may cause a break down of existing norms: it further reduces an individual’s sense of belonging (Sev’er, 1993). The original definition of Anomie included the idea of social isolation and disorganization, but Merton limited the concept to certain types of social disorganization (1993). Although Merton proposed this view as a general theory, later sociologists have attempted to redefine the concept (1993). A more modern advocate of the Anomie, is Alain Touraine, a well know contemporary sociologist who has written on a wealth of subjects; synthesized in his writings is the concept of Anomie. He states that student protest during the 1960’s and early 1970’s was partially attributed to aspects of the Anomie theory (1996).

The social reaction to deviance is significant. If a behavior is accepted it would not be considered deviant, nor would a person be treated differently. The way society views a behavior affects the continuation of that behavior or other related conduct. As discussed earlier, the definition of deviance is relative and in some sense, society constructs those various definitions as well. In looking at the labeling theory, the concept derived from a group of theorists who began to explore why, and how certain acts are deemed as criminal or deviant, and why others are not (“Labeling,” 1997). They also wondered what made certain people criminal or deviant, and rather than look at criminals as evil persons, they saw them simply as individuals who had a criminal status placed upon them by bot

Some topics in this essay:
Howard Becker, Alain Touraine, Talcott Parsons, William James, Mad Hatter, Stephen Pfohl, Erdwin Pfuhl, , Cloward Ohlin, Merton Durkheim, deviant behavior, considered deviant, labeling theory, social reaction, turner 1996, “labeling” 1997, deviance relative, social reaction deviance, theory anomie, social systems, critical perspectives, society considered deviant, illegitimate opportunity structures, deviance socially constructed,