Sociology Plus
Normative Definitions of Deviance Definition
Sociologists approach the definition of deviance through various lenses, but the normative perspective defines it fundamentally as a violation of established social norms. This framework posits that deviance is determined by adherence to or deviation from the standards—the rules, expectations, and guidelines—that govern behaviour within a specific social group or society. Unlike reactionist theories which focus on the reactions elicited by an act, the normative view focuses on the inherent structure of social order; therefore, what constitutes deviance is the breach of a recognised social expectation, regardless of whether that violation attracts immediate negative sanctions from observers.
The Nature of Norms
Norms are understood as shared group evaluations or guidelines concerning what human beings ought to think, say, or do under particular circumstances. They function as expectations regarding behaviour and thought, often arising from habit or traditional customs, and are frequently learned implicitly through the process of socialisation. These norms are not rigid, explicit rules but rather flexible social properties that dictate expected conduct in various situations; for example, the appropriate expression of laughter differs greatly between a comedy club and a funeral, highlighting their situational nature. Norms are established by authorities—such as the state or societal consensus—which impose them upon members of a particular society, forming an essential component of the social order.
Deviance as Normative Violation
From this perspective, deviance is defined strictly as the transgression of these established norms. Recognizing that certain actions, beliefs, or expressions ought or ought not to occur in specific contexts (e.g., rules regarding public behaviour or etiquette) establishes a framework for evaluating conduct. The normative definition focuses on the formal violation of these rules rather than solely on external reactions.
The Concept of ‘Secret’ Deviance
A crucial aspect of the normative approach is its capacity to account for behaviours that remain deviant even without external detection or condemnation. This concept allows for the existence of ‘secret’ deviance, where a violation of social norms occurs without generating negative reactions from audiences. The normative definition relies on a measure of predictability: it presumes that violations are likely to elicit negative reactions, even if those reactions are never observed. Consequently, the normative sociologist determines deviance by assessing the breach of societal standards rather than waiting for formal sanctions to occur.
Contrast with Reactionist Views
The normative approach contrasts sharply with the strict reactionist definition, which dismisses the possibility of ‘secret’ deviance, arguing that the concept is an oxymoron because it denies the predictable link between norm violation and negative sanctions. Sociologists often adopt a normative understanding because the strict reactionist view is seen as fatally restricting the scope of sociological investigation by denying the existence of deviance independent of social response.