Deviant behavior

Deviant behavior is behavior that is a recognized violation of cultural norms. Formal and informal social controls attempt to prevent and minimize deviance. One such control is through the medicalization of deviance.

Related Topics:
Behavior - Cultural norm - Formal - Informal - Social control - Medicalization

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Crime, the violation of formally enacted law, is formal deviance while an informal social violation such as picking one's nose (although that is becoming rather normal by now) is an example of informal deviance. It also means not doing what the majority does or alternatively doing what the majority does not do. For instance, behaviors caused by cultural difference can be seen as deviance. It does not necessarily mean criminal behavior.

Related Topics:
Crime - Law - Picking one's nose

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An example of a group considered deviant in the modern United States is the Ku Klux Klan. Milder examples include Punks and Goths.

Related Topics:
United States - Ku Klux Klan - Punks - Goth

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