3. Deviance as a relative concept

Key Sociological Concept

To sociologists, the concept of deviance is relative, meaning that it varies according to time, space, age, social status and social group.

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Religious and Scientific views of deviance

Religious

Prior to the 1950's, deviance in many areas of the world was viewed through a religious lens. For exmaple, in countries where Christian values were/are held notions of right and wrong are informed by the Ten Commandments outlined in the bible.

Scientific

Since the 1950's understandings of deviance have moved to more science-based theories. These theories are based on factors such as biological and psychological factors.

Sociologists view of deviance

Sociologists however view deviance through the lens of the social context in which the deviance occurs. This lens is informed by the society's norms and how these are accepted or rejected by its members.

Sociologists outline 4 key factors which make people more likely to engage in deviant behaviours.

The 4 key factors influencing deviance include...

Inequality: Having limited access to educational and healthcare resources.

Socioeconomic Status: Experiencing exclusion based on social class or economic barriers

Biases and Prejudices: In various legal instiutions, including barriers such as structual racism or sexist norms.

Stereotyping and Social Factors: Factors which lead people to feel that they should be deviant and/or deviant.

Deviance across time and space

Time

Deviance based on time relates to when the devaiance occured. Sociologists idenifty that the notion of deviance chnages over time and what was once deviant isn't necessarily deviant now, or in the future.

Consider marriage, where it was once both the norm and legal to be married aged 12, that is now not legal or the norm.

Space

Deviance based on space refers to where the deviance has occured. This outlines that what is considered to be deviant in one context, society or culture may not be in another.

Consider an adult drinking alcohol. If an adult is home alone and has three or more alcoholic beverages they may be considered as having a drinking problem. However if they did the same at a party and others were doing it too it would be viewed differently.

Real world relative deviance and Tasks to complete

Summarise 'Eating animals', 'Illcit and alternative drug use' and 'social status' in your books Found on pages 120,121 and 122.
Complete Activity E. For question 1, in your books copy the table into your book and add an extra 5 examples using the headings. For questions 4 and 5, provide an example outside of ones in your notes.
Extention Task: Complete activity F and/or question 1 of Acitvity D

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