Positive or negative deviant behavior

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Deviance is defined as a violation of cultural norms, but not all deviant behavior is negative. A sociologist can examine deviant behavior through a theoretical perspective to try to understand its causes. A symbolic interactionist view would explain deviance as a product of social stratification. For example, people born into a lower economic class may have limited access to resources such as education and income; therefore, they may struggle more significantly to overcome those limitations.

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

Give an example of a positive or negative deviant behavior that you have witnessed, either formally or informally. How did it contradict social and/or cultural norms? How did you react? How did the people in the nearby social group react? (Please do not share incriminating or personal details.)
How might a functionalist or conflict theorist explain the reasons for the deviant behavior?

Sample Solution

A positive deviant behavior I’ve witnessed is a community organizing to clean up a local park. This action contradicted societal norms of apathy towards public spaces and littering. My reaction was admiration for their initiative; it felt like a breath of fresh air. The community’s response was overwhelmingly positive, with many joining the effort and expressing gratitude for the improved space.

A functionalist perspective might explain this deviant behavior as a response to a social problem – a polluted park. By cleaning it up, the community was restoring social order and fulfilling a latent function of preserving the environment. A conflict theorist might argue that the act was a form of resistance against neglect by authorities, highlighting the power imbalance between the community and those responsible for public spaces.

 

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