From a sociological perspective, definitions of deviance originate __. Group of answer choices: In the specific behavior condition. From the people who witness or judge the deviant behavior. From the identity of the person whose behavior is in question. In legal and civil statutes or regulations.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: From the people who witness or judge the deviant behavior.
Explanation:
From a sociological perspective, deviance is not defined solely by the behavior itself but by how society perceives and reacts to that behavior. The concept of deviance is socially constructed, which means it depends heavily on social norms, cultural expectations, and the reactions of others in society. In other words, behavior becomes deviant not because of the act itself but because people label it as such.
This approach is supported by the Labeling Theory, a key sociological perspective developed by theorists such as Howard Becker. According to this theory, deviance is the result of how others interpret a behavior and the labels they attach to it. When individuals or groups define certain actions as inappropriate or unacceptable, they assign a label of deviance to those actions. Once labeled, individuals may be treated differently or stigmatized, reinforcing their deviant identity.
For example, wearing unusual clothing may be seen as fashionable in one group and deviant in another. What matters most is not the clothing itself but how others judge and respond to it. Similarly, acts like using certain drugs or engaging in nontraditional relationships may be considered deviant in some cultures but normal or accepted in others.
This understanding challenges the idea that deviance is an inherent trait of certain behaviors. Instead, it highlights the role of power, social context, and group norms in defining what is acceptable and what is not. This viewpoint helps explain why definitions of deviance change over time and vary across cultures, as norms evolve and different groups assert their influence on social standards.