Introduction to Deviance and Non-Conformity
Welcome! So far, we have looked at how society tries to keep us in line through socialisation and social control. But as you’ve probably noticed in the real world, not everyone follows the rules. In this chapter, we explore why some people choose—or are forced—to act differently. This is what sociologists call deviance and non-conformity.
Don't worry if these terms sound a bit formal. Simply put, deviance is any behaviour that breaks the norms (unwritten rules) or values of a society. Non-conformity is the act of not following the "standard" way of doing things. In this lesson, we will look at five key reasons why people might not "fit in" with the rest of society.
1. Subcultures
Sometimes, people don't just break the rules individually; they join a group that has its own set of rules. This is called a subculture. A subculture is a smaller group within a larger society that has norms and values that are different from the "mainstream" culture.
How it explains deviance: If you belong to a subculture, you might be conforming to your group's rules, but those rules make you deviant in the eyes of the rest of society. For example, a group of "skaters" might value taking risks and using public benches for tricks. To them, they are just being "good skaters," but to the police or local business owners, they are being deviant or non-conformist.
Key Takeaway: Deviance isn't always about being "rebellious"; sometimes it’s just about following the rules of a different group.
2. Under-socialisation
In our earlier chapters, we learned that socialisation is the process of learning how to behave. Under-socialisation happens when the agencies of socialisation (like the family or education) fail to teach a person the "correct" norms and values effectively.
How it explains deviance: If a child is not taught at home that stealing is wrong, or if they aren't shown how to control their impulses, they may grow up to be deviant because they literally haven't "learned the script" of society. They are not necessarily trying to be "bad"—they just lack the social training that others received.
Think of it like this: If you were never taught the rules of a card game, you would probably make a "wrong" move. You aren't cheating; you just weren't socialised into the rules of the game.
3. Marginalisation
To be marginalised means to be pushed to the "margins" or the edges of society. People who are marginalised feel like they don't have a stake in society. This often happens to groups who feel they are not listened to by the government or are excluded from good jobs and opportunities.
How it explains deviance: When people feel like society doesn't care about them, they often stop caring about society's rules. If you feel like the "system" is rigged against you, you might feel less pressure to conform to its laws. This can lead to deviance as a way of expressing frustration or simply surviving when mainstream paths are closed off.
4. Cultural Deprivation
Cultural deprivation is the idea that some people lack the "cultural tools"—such as specific types of knowledge, language skills, or attitudes—that are needed to succeed in mainstream society. This is often linked to social class.
How it explains deviance: If a student comes from a background where they haven't been prepared for the way schools work, they might struggle to succeed. This frustration can lead to non-conformity. For example, a student who feels they "can't win" at the school's game might start acting out or skipping class as a way to gain status in other ways. They are "deprived" of the culture that society rewards, so they turn to deviant behaviour instead.
5. Social Resistance
While some deviance happens by "accident" or because of "failure," social resistance is often a deliberate choice. This is when individuals or groups purposely break rules to protest against power or perceived injustice.
How it explains deviance: People might engage in non-conformity to show they disagree with the way society is run. For example, someone might refuse to pay a tax they think is unfair, or a group might hold an illegal protest to draw attention to climate change. In these cases, deviance is a tool used to try and change society rather than just a lack of self-control.
Quick Link: This connects to the "Power, Control and Resistance" theme we see throughout Paper 1. When people feel power is being used unfairly, they use deviance as resistance.
Summary Checklist: Why do people deviate?
- Subcultures: They are following the rules of their own smaller group.
- Under-socialisation: They never learned the mainstream rules properly.
- Marginalisation: They feel pushed out and ignored by society.
- Cultural Deprivation: They lack the "cultural tools" to succeed the "normal" way.
- Social Resistance: They are purposely breaking rules to protest or demand change.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Don't assume deviance is always "bad": In Sociology, deviance is a neutral term. It just means "different." Someone who is a genius or a hero might be "deviant" because they are not acting like the average person!
2. Don't confuse the causes: Make sure you can distinguish between under-socialisation (failing to learn the rules) and social resistance (choosing to break the rules for a reason).
3. Remember the context: Deviance is socially constructed. This means what is "deviant" changes depending on where you are and what time in history it is. Example: Wearing a swimsuit is normal at the beach but deviant in a library.
Quick Review: Think about a time you saw someone break a minor social rule (like talking loudly in a cinema). Using the terms above, can you explain why they might have done it? Were they part of a subculture, or perhaps just under-socialised?