Deviance

The correct sociologists’ definition of deviance is an act (or actions) that seriously or repeatedly violate, or goes against, social norms. And this can either be positive or negative. Deviance is relative to time, place, and perception, creating an impact on every single person and our society. In class, we were to read this article on a man named Julio Diaz and his influence he had on deviance. Basically, this man daily rode the subway, just so he could go to his favorite restaurant. But one day he erratically got a knife pulled on him and was threatened if he didn’t give up his money. And while Julio was giving up his wallet, he questioned the boy and instead invited him to eat dinner with him. Usually, people who are being mugged do not invite their “mugger” to have dinner with them. But what was really surprising as well was the boy accepted the invitation. This act of positive deviance definitely had a twist on society, and shows the other sides of people that are more moral and respectable. Another topic of deviance that we discussed was the article on the “Saints and Roughnecks.” Essentially, both of the groups had few qualities that were in common, but and effects from society were pretty opposite. For example, the saints vandalize, drink alcohol, ditch class, violate driving laws, are dangerous to others, and have more money. And they overall get away with all of these things. The roughnecks, however, do not vandalize, drink alcohol, ditch class. They also are not a danger to others and have less money, but they do steal and fight, resulting in heavy consequences from the law (society is not kind/nice to them). I believe that deviance can change everyone’s perspective on life and it plays a huge role in our society today.