Deviance and non-conformity

Introduction: Breaking the Rules

In our previous chapters, we looked at how society "moulds" us through socialisation to follow rules and fit in. But let’s be honest—not everyone follows the rules all the time! Some people dress differently, some challenge authority, and some break the law. In Sociology, we call this deviance and non-conformity.

This chapter explores why people stop conforming. Is it because they weren't taught the rules properly? Or is it a choice to fight back against an unfair system? We will look at five key explanations required by your syllabus to help you understand the "rebels" of society.

What is Deviance and Non-Conformity?

Before we dive into the "why," let’s define the "what":

Deviance refers to any behaviour that breaks the norms (unwritten rules) or values of a social group or society. It isn't always "bad"—it’s just "different" from what is expected. For example, wearing a swimsuit to a funeral is deviant, even if it isn't illegal!

Non-conformity is when an individual or group chooses not to follow the dominant patterns of behaviour in society. It often involves resistance to social pressure.

Quick Review: Remember, deviance is relative. What is considered "weird" or "wrong" in one culture might be totally normal in another!

1. Subcultures

Sometimes, people don't just "break" the rules; they follow a different set of rules. This happens in subcultures.

A subculture is a smaller group within a larger society that has its own unique norms and values. These values often "invert" (flip) the values of mainstream society. For example:

• In mainstream society, working hard in school is a value.
• In a "delinquent" subculture, skipping school or acting out might be what earns you status and respect from your peers.

People in subcultures conform to their own group, even though they are being deviant toward the rest of society. It’s about finding a sense of belonging when they feel they don't fit into the "normal" world.

2. Under-socialisation

Think back to the chapter on "The process of learning and socialisation." If socialisation is the process of learning the "rules of the game," then under-socialisation is what happens when that process fails.

This explanation suggests that deviance occurs because agencies of socialisation (like the family) were not effective. If a child is not taught the core values of their society, or if they don't develop a strong bond with social norms, they are more likely to act in non-conforming ways later in life. They haven't "internalised" the rules, so they don't feel the "inner voice" (conscience) telling them to conform.

Analogy: It’s like trying to play a board game without ever reading the instruction manual. You’re bound to make "illegal" moves because you simply don't know the rules!

3. Marginalisation

To be marginalised means to be "pushed to the edges" of society. Certain groups may feel they are excluded from the benefits of society—like good jobs, political power, or social respect.

When people are marginalised, they often feel they have no "stake" in society. If the system doesn't work for you, why should you follow its rules? Marginalisation can lead to social resistance and deviance because the individual feels they have nothing to lose by breaking the norms of a society that has rejected them anyway.

Key Takeaway: Marginalisation is often linked to power. Those with the least power are the most likely to be pushed to the margins and labelled as deviant.

4. Cultural Deprivation

This concept suggests that some individuals are deviant because they lack the "cultural tools" needed to succeed in mainstream society. Cultural deprivation implies that certain groups (often from lower-class backgrounds) may not have been taught the specific language, attitudes, or "social graces" that the dominant culture values.

Because they cannot achieve success or status through the "normal" routes (like doing well in a career), they might turn to non-conformity or deviant activities to achieve what they want. They aren't necessarily "bad" people; they just have a different "cultural toolkit" that doesn't fit the mainstream requirements.

5. Social Resistance

This is a more "active" view of deviance. Instead of seeing the deviant person as a "failure" or "poorly taught," social resistance views deviance as a deliberate choice to challenge the status quo.

Non-conformity can be a way of "fighting back" against power and ideology. For example, a protest group might break the law to highlight an injustice. In this case, deviance is a political tool used to show that the individual or group does not accept the current social order. It is an act of agency—the individual is making a conscious decision to resist.

Summary Table: Why do people deviate?

Don't worry if these seem similar! Use this quick table to spot the differences:

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't assume all deviance is criminal: Remember, deviance includes things like "goth" fashion or being a vegan in a meat-eating culture. It's about norms, not just laws.
• Don't forget "Structure vs. Agency": Some explanations (like under-socialisation) suggest society failed the individual (structure). Others (like social resistance) suggest the individual chose to rebel (agency).
• Avoid personal bias: In Sociology, we don't judge if a deviant act is "good" or "bad." We simply look for the social reasons why it happened.

Quick Check: Can you explain it?

If you were asked to explain the view that "deviance is a result of how people are raised," which concept from the list above would you use? (Hint: Look at under-socialisation and cultural deprivation!)

If you were asked to argue against that view, you could use social resistance to show that deviance is often a conscious choice, not just a result of childhood upbringing.

Note: For more on the debate between Structuralist and Interactionist views on this topic, see the chapter "Structure and agency: structuralist and interactionist views."