Social Deviance and Social Norms

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Social deviance is a violation of social norms. So what qualifies as a social deviant? According to sociologist, Howard S. Becker the best definition of social deviance is, “It is not the act itself, but the reactions to the act, that do something deviant.” In cultures around the world, there are many practices Americans find deviant, but in other cultures, it’s the norm. In many countries around the world, girls are married as young as 11 years old. To Americans, that is considered child abuse and rape, but that is only because of our social norms. To the men and parents in different countries, it is perfectly normal because their social norms. In America, social deviance comes in many different forms. We have our sexual deviants, criminal deviants, body modification deviants and many others. The definition of social deviance is constantly changing due to the acceptance of deviant behavior. Tattoos became socially acceptable in the 1980’s. Before that, tattoos were associated with deviants such as gangs, criminals, and bikers. To be tattooed meant that you were a violent social outcast. Today, getting a tattoo is one of the most socially normal things to do. Tattoos and piercings are everywhere, people of all backgrounds and ages have them. Tattoo artist makes a very good living owning a tattoo and piercing shop. According to Statistic Brain, it is estimated that America has 21,000 tattoo studios with more opening daily, and about 45, million Americans have at least one tattoo. On a similar form a deviant appearance modification, there are those that dedicated their entire life to changing their appearance. Dennis Avner, also known as “Stalking Cat”. He has made several modifications to his body, from full-face tattoos, fanged... ... middle of paper ... ...earch, 50(3/4), 276. doi:10.1080/00224499.2012.738259 Dorsten, L. M. (1999). The Effect of Inbreeding on Early Childhood Mortality: Twelve Generations of an Amish Settlement. Demography, 36(2), 263. Jayne, M. K. (2005, June 8). Genetic Disorders Hit Amish Hard. Retrieved from CBS News: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/genetic-disorders-hit-amish-hard/2/ Lenhart, K. (2013). Multiculturalism and Feminism for Hispanic Immigrant Women Accused of Drug Crimes. Brigham Young University Law Review, 2013(6), 1613. Poulsen, F. M. (2013). Pornography Use: Who Uses It and How It Is Associated with Couple Outcomes. Journal Of Sex Research,50(1), 72. doi:10.1080/00224499.2011.648027 Statistic Brain (2013, December 11). Tattoo Statistics. Retrieved from Statistic Brain: http://www.statisticbrain.com/tattoo-statistics/ Smith, W. J. (2006). The Catman Cometh. Weekly Standard, 11(39), 20.

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