de
viance
Plural
deviances
1
actions or conduct that departs from societal norms, expectations, or standards, often perceived as unconventional, abnormal, or unacceptable by the larger community
- The psychologist studied patterns of deviance within the community to better understand the factors contributing to criminal behavior.
- Sociologists analyze instances of deviance to examine how social norms are constructed and enforced within a society.
- The school counselor addressed incidents of deviance among students, providing support and guidance to prevent further disruptive behavior.
- Criminologists study the causes and consequences of deviance, seeking to develop strategies for crime prevention and rehabilitation.
- In anthropology, researchers explore cultural variations in definitions of deviance, recognizing that what is considered acceptable behavior can vary widely across different societies.
Synonyms:
2
the state of departure from established norms or expectations, whether in behavior, beliefs, attitudes, etc.
- The unconventional artist's work was celebrated for its creativity and deviance from traditional artistic norms.
- In the scientific community, deviance from established theories can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and paradigm shifts.
- Wearing clothing that doesn't conform to gender norms can be seen as a form of deviance in some cultures.
- Choosing not to participate in mainstream consumer culture and instead living a minimalist lifestyle could be seen as deviance from societal norms.
- Choosing an alternative career path instead of following the traditional route expected by one's family can be seen as a form of deviance.
Synonyms: