Deviance

Deviance is a form of resistance to mainstream values, goals, norms, and morals. However, space, place, and time can predict whether certain events [Page 297]or actions can be construed as deviant or conventional. Therefore, deviance is constantly changing and reinventing its definition of what is acceptable in society. As part of his theory of deviance, sociologist Howard Becker proposed that social groups create deviance by making the rules to follow and then applying those rules to a particular group, in turn creating an inclusive and exclusive dichotomy. Those who are included are perceived as normal and mainstream, and those who are excluded are viewed as outsiders or deviant. A label is applied to those seen as deviant, shaping perceptions and observations of, and overall sentiments ...