When Justin was asked to define deviance to his classmates, which of the following would he assert?
A) Deviance is behaviour that is defined and promoted by the media.
B) Deviance is behaviour that involves breaking a law and is punished.
C) Deviance is norm or rule breaking behaviour to which sanctions are generally imposed.
D) Deviance is behaviour for which punishment has been agreed upon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deviance is defined as behaviour that violates the norms or rules of a society, and which is typically met with some form of punishment or sanctions. Deviance can take many forms, including criminal behavior or socially unacceptable actions, but it is important to note that deviance is not simply defined by breaking a law. Instead, it is a more general concept that encompasses any behavior that is considered to be outside the boundaries of what is socially acceptable or expected. Choice A is incorrect because although the media can contribute to shaping people's perceptions of what is normal/abnormal, it is not the sole determinant of deviance. Choice D is incorrect because punishment is a consequence of deviance, not the definition of it.

When Justin Was Asked to Define Deviance to His Classmates